The Power of Libraries Addressing Inequities in STEM
“The data is clear: there is a lot of work to be done in cultivating more equity in STEM careers. Who better than librarians to help move the needle, ensuring all of the patrons we serve have the ability to compete for jobs in the STEM field?
The State of STEM Education as Told through 26 Stats highlights several notable statistics, among them:
- Black employees hold only 9% of all STEM jobs, Latinx individuals make up only 7% of the STEM workforce, and women 27%. Prognosticators estimate that more than 821,000 new STEM jobs will be created over the next 10 years.
- A 2020 study showed only a slight majority (57%) of US households with incomes lower than $25,000 have daily access to technology, compared with 90% access for households with incomes over $200,000.
- Perhaps most significant for our work in libraries: Evidence suggests participation in STEM summer programs increases the likelihood that students from underrepresented communities graduate from high school, attend four-year colleges and earn STEM degrees.
By providing access to technology and providing STEM-based Summer Learning programs, libraries have the power to make a difference in the education and career path a child dreams about.”
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