Diversifying STEM | Claremont Port Side: Lack of diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields has long been a problem for institutions of higher learning across the country. According to a 2010 national study by the National Science Foundation (NSF), about 59.5% of individuals who earned a doctorate degree in a science or engineering field are white while 10.5% of individuals with a doctorate are Hispanic or black. Only 31% of these degrees are held by women.
The Claremont Colleges have attempted to take a lead in implementing various programs aimed at increasing the number of minorities and other typically underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Diversity in STEM majors, both within the consortium and worldwide, is growing despite serious disparities. Minorities in STEM oftentimes face discrimination that can serve to hinder their participation. In fact, computer science has nationally regressed, with fewer women getting CS degrees in 2010 than they had two decades previously. All forms of prejudice must be overcome to encourage marginalized groups to pursue careers in which they are traditionally underrepresented.
Far too often, minority students are underrepresented in STEM fields because they lack proper preparation in high school. For example, the National Education Association states that 42% of black students attend under-resourced schools.
