Half of Black adults see lack of access to quality education, lack of mentors as major reasons young people don’t pursue STEM degrees | Pew Research Center

April 5, 2022

1. Black Americans’ views of education and professional opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math

Half of Black adults see lack of access to quality education, lack of mentors as major reasons young people don’t pursue STEM degrees

Half of Black adults see lack of access to quality education, lack of mentors as major reasons young people don’t pursue STEM degrees

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Half of Black adults see lack of access to quality education, lack of mentors as major reasons young people don’t pursue STEM degrees

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1. Black Americans’ views of education and professional opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math
Relatively few Black adults say Black people have found highest levels of success as scientists
Scientists, engineering professions rated among the lowest for openness to Black people in these jobs
Black adults with postgraduate degrees are less likely to view medical doctors, engineers as very welcoming to Black people in these jobs
44% of Black high school graduates say someone made them feel excited about their abilities in STEM
Majority of Black college graduates working in STEM jobs recall positive classroom experiences
Half of Black adults see lack of access to quality education, lack of mentors as major reasons young people don’t pursue STEM degrees
Black adults with higher levels of education more likely to see lack of mentors as a reason young people may not pursue STEM
Majority of Black college graduates say more examples of Black high achievers in STEM would encourage young Black people to study STEM fields