Diversity in STEM is Imperative
This Black History Month, I’m thinking a lot about the future.
I think a lot about science and technology in America’s future. Without question, we lead the world in the strength of our scientific infrastructure and innovation — and have for most of the past century.
But to continue that leadership in this century and beyond, diversity in STEM is imperative.
We must train and recruit scientists from the full spectrum of our society.
We must make full use of the human capital of this nation. We need to do much more to accomplish that.
My Story
My four grandparents emigrated from the Azores Islands a century ago to settle into the Portuguese immigrant community in Fall River, Massachusetts. They and their children worked hard and built rewarding blue-collar careers.
And like so many others, my parents made sure I got a quality education in public school. I then went to Boston College on a scholarship from my dad’s labor union, followed by graduate school at Stanford with help from a government fellowship.
So I speak from personal experience — as so many professionals in STEM fields can — about the opportunities this nation can provide when the private and public sector work together in science and technology enterprises — when we invest our sustained attention and resources.
Science and engineering have long been important pathways for social mobility in this country — a ticket to the middle class for those willing to get an education and work hard.
The Data
Diversity in STEM is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Study after study shows the importance of a workforce that reflects our diverse and changing nation
Don’t just take it from me; the National Academy of Sciences reports:
For the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals today, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong, talented, and innovative science and technology workforce.
We expect 2.4 million more STEM jobs in the energy sector in the next three years — jobs that pay, on average, 160 to more than 300 percent over the national average. In other words, energy jobs offer a promising future. But most will require advanced training and education.
In short, demographic trends are reshaping the present and future population of our country, and we need to do more to keep up.
What We’re Doing Now
The compelling data and moral imperative around a diverse STEM workforce is why we created the Minorities in Energy (MIE) program and a number of other initiatives at the Department of Energy.
Minorities in Energy Initiative
In 2015, the Minorities in Energy program celebrated its second anniversary. This important program brings people together to identify priorities around expanding opportunity in energy fields and STEM. A key component of this work are the nearly 40 Minorities in Energy Ambassadors and Champions. These include influential leaders in business, academia, government and the nonprofit sector. Their influence in their own organizations and communities ensures our goals are more than words.
My Brother’s Keeper
The Department also participates in President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative. MBK aims to address the opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color by connecting young people to mentoring, support networks, and the skills they need to go to college or find a job. I was pleased to join the President’s MBK Task Force in March. As part of the task force, we aim to encourage minority students to explore the abundance of opportunities in STEM. This is especially true across our system of 17 National Laboratories, which are home to some of the most advanced research facilities and talented researchers in the world. Through a series of “MBK at the Labs” days, our labs have opened their doors to students to show them the world-class opportunities in our nation’s scientific enterprise.
It’s important to note that the Labs are more than mentors. They are employers, and they are employers that make good on their commitment to diversity. You can explore jobs and internships at the labs here.
Supporting STEM Education
The My Brother’s Keeper initiative is just one way we’re reaching out to students across the country. STEM Mentoring Cafes connect middle school girls with mentors. An NNSA pilot project links tribal colleges and universities with advanced manufacturing facilities, training and a network of public and private partnerships. The immense potential for focusing on STEM education was illustrated this fall when I visited a KIPP high school in the Bronx. The students I met asked insightful questions about physics, research methods, even national security. I’m confident the next generation of scientists and engineers will include many from this talented group.
But there are thousands of students across the country who have never met a nuclear physicist, much less the Energy Secretary. We must do more for those students.
What’s Next
At the Department of Energy we are constantly looking for new ideas and creative solutions to combat some of our world’s biggest issues: nuclear security, climate change and energy security, to name a few.
These challenges can only be met if we have all hands on deck with a diverse workforce from all different backgrounds who are engaged in science and solutions.
I’m pleased the Energy Department is taking a leading role in preparing all kids for STEM careers, but as a nation, our collective efforts are simply not enough.
We can’t address these challenges and opportunities unless we have the very best and brightest working on these issues. That’s why diversity in STEM is imperative not only during Black History Month, but every month. It’s time to focus on the future.
