Fran Dillard’s Post

Empowering the Next Generation of Black STEM Leaders 🤸♀️ We're excited to share an incredible opportunity from the Wade Institute of Technology (WIT) that can help close the representation gap in STEM fields.   The Problem: A recent 2024 Black Students and STEM Report revealed a disheartening truth: Black students possess the aptitude for STEM careers but often lack the interest, likely due to underrepresentation. This lack of diversity not only limits innovation but also perpetuates wage disparities. WIT's Solution: The Wade Institute of Technology, a Palo Alto-based engineering college, is committed to increasing Black representation in STEM. Their Wade Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing STEM master's degrees. Scholarship Benefits: Covers tuition, housing, fees, and more (up to $50,000). Supports students who have earned a STEM undergraduate degree. Application details can be found - https://lnkd.in/eZed7pw5 #STEMScholarship

Have you ever paused to think about how important 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 is in a career ? Trust is essential in STEM and every field. Whether you’re a researcher, a software developer, or an engineer trust is at the heart of what you do. Every breakthrough and discovery relies on one key principle called 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 . Imagine this: you’re working on a project and you’ve invested time, energy, and passion into it. Now, think about how you’d feel if someone questioned the honesty of your work or the accuracy of your work. It’s a tough situation, right? How do you ensure that trust is a part of your work? Here’s what you should do: 💡𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: When you share your work, others need to know they can rely on you. Trust forms the foundation of collaboration, and when you build it, you’re setting up stronger teams and projects with real, lasting impact. 💡𝐁𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 : Mistakes happen to everyone. When you own up to yours, you create a space where everyone can learn and grow. Transparency is key to building respect and mutual support among your peers and mentors. 💡𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐲: People entrust you with their data and personal information, and it’s on you to protect it. Privacy is foundational in our digital age, so remember that safeguarding it is non-negotiable. 💡𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: Thorough research is your responsibility. Being diligent protects not only your work but everyone involved, ensuring no one is misinformed or unintentionally impacted. 💡𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝: Ethics evolve as technology advances, so keep learning about the best practices and principles. When you stay current, you make sure your work aligns with what’s best for everyone. 🚨 Are you a Black Woman in STEM? Apply to join Black Sisters in STEM waitlist for scholarships and support! 🔗Join Sister Nation today and unlock your potential! https://buff.ly/4867Bog #heyblacksis#blacksistersinSTEM#blackwomeninSTEM#trust

When it comes to careers, students tend to limit their opportunities based on historically-derived gender stereotypes. Our data shows a significant exposure gap for Black female students in fields like: Computers & Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Architecture & Construction. Through aptitude-powered education and STEM-focused after-school programs, we can close these career exposure gaps. 👉 Download the 2024 Black Students and STEM Report published by YouScience and Black Girls Do STEM to learn more: https://bit.ly/3Plwp3q #STEMeducation #YouScience

This is exactly why it is so important to me to talk about equity, or the lack of equity, in the realm of STEAM. I remember learning about situations where counselors wouldn't even show their Black high school students a CS class for their electives, not even giving them the chance to try, and instead encouraging them to enroll into sports. What are a few more things WE can do to bridge this gap?

In this episode of The Organisational Inclusionist, Grace M. is joined by Leon M Burns to discuss the current EDI backlash in the United States and Leon's great work increasing representation within STEM in the U.S.   Leon Burns is the President and CEO of Open Technology Group (OTG) and leads the delivery of innovative IT services to US Federal Government clients, ensuring secure, efficient operations through reliable technology solutions and value-added services.   Leon's strategic use of data migration early in his career left an enduring impact. This innovation facilitated the creation of automated data platforms, revolutionising project tracking and forecasting IT infrastructure deficiencies for government projects. Notably, Leon's pioneering methodology extended to constructing data modules for customer intelligence analytics, enhancing personnel retention, and bolstering OTG's bottom line.   Beyond the boardroom, Leon actively breaks down social barriers, sponsoring 11 STEM programmes for marginalised youth and creating a $100K scholarship for his alma mater, Hampton University, titled “DEIB in Black Tech." The scholarship is for Business majors who minored in Management Information systems, encouraging students to pursue careers in business analytics.   A devoted community member, Leon co-chairs an annual lung cancer run in memory of his father, Leon Burns Jr., raising over $173K to date. His multimedia efforts, including a YouTube series, Black Mental Health Matters, demonstrate his commitment to reducing stigmas in mental health. Leon Burns is not just a corporate leader; he is a force advancing corporate success through sound business principles and a profound commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).   As always, we thank you for listening, liking, and following. Your support enables us to continue the conversation. https://lnkd.in/ezTgNvyT #LeonBurns #OTG #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #STEM #BlackTech #MentalHealth #CommunityLeadership #DataInnovation #YouthPrograms #Scholarships #CorporateLeadership

The Black Talent & Leadership in STEM roundtable, sponsored by Marks & Clerk, will spark some interesting discussion and important takeaways at #CamTechWeek #BlackTalent #STEM #DiversityandInclusion

YouScience CEO, Edson Barton and I had a chance to talk with the local NPR affiliate this week about the importance of the 2024 Black Youth in STEM report, and how it can be a conversation changer from speaking about STEM interest to STEM aptitude which then shifts the focus and ownership to us, the adults, to close the exposure gap and introduce STEM careers to Black youth where they are naturally suited to thrive. Take action and use aptitude assesments to help students see beyond the bias. Engage Black youth with intentional career pathways to widen perception and build occupational awareness. Build equity and remove systemic barriers to allow for the persistence of Black youth in their STEM educational pursuits.

Join this study to inform research for and by Black women.

YouScience and Black Girls Do STEM have partnered to co-publish the 2024 Black Students & STEM Report. Analyzing data from 328,000 Black middle and high school students, the report sheds light on career exposure gaps in STEM fields for Black students. It also spotlights initiatives like aptitude-powered education and STEM-focused after-school programs that are actively bridging these gaps for Black students. This report isn't just a document; it's a call to action. It reminds us of the ongoing efforts needed to break down barriers and pave the way for every student to excel in high-skill, in-demand careers. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the full report and join us in our mission to build a more inclusive future. Let's unite to empower the next generation of STEM leaders and create a brighter tomorrow for all. 🌟 👉 Download the full report here: https://bit.ly/3Plwp3q #STEMeducation #YouScience

“When Black girls are seen, heard, and valued enough to be allowed space to learn, fail, and grow where culture, confidence, and community are created, they can begin to uncover who they really are, discover what skills are inherently in them, and who and what they want to be.” —Cynthia Chapple, Founder of Black Girls Do STEM Our latest report co-published with Black Girls Do STEM examines data from 328,000 Black middle and high school students to identify career exposure gaps for in-demand STEM careers while also highlighting solutions working to close these gaps for Black students. 🔗 Download the 2024 Black Students & STEM Report by YouScience and Black Girls Do STEM to explore insights, strategies, and opportunities for meaningful change: https://bit.ly/3Vg59aB #STEMeducation #YouScience