Our Ecosystem
Black E.S.T.E.E.M.(Entrepreneurs, Scientists, Technicians, Engineers, Economists, Mathematicians) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black girls’ interest and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Vision
Transform the landscape for Black girls to be unbound change makers of tomorrow.
Mission
Cultivate an ecosystem that nurtures creative learning spaces through culturally responsive programming and partnerships, to transcend Black girls beyond limitations.
Purpose
Remove barriers to provide future opportunities in E.S.T.E.E.M. industries by constructing new pathways for Black girls.
Who Is This For?
The scope of our work focuses on the advancement of Black girls throughout Ontario between the ages of 10-13 years old.
We work with Black girls to deepen their self-confidence and re-imagine their presence in STEM fields as entrepreneurs and innovators.
This initiative prepares Black girls not only to confidently enter STEM careers, but encourages them to construct futures where all Black girls reach their highest potential.
About Us
Black E.S.T.E.E.M. is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black girls’ interest and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We are a collective of Black women and girls who work with communities across Ontario to create culturally relevant learning spaces that nurture Black girls’ curiosity, creativity, and imagination. We recognize that anti-Black racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination negatively impact the experiences, confidence, and representation of Black girls in the science sectors. Black E.S.T.E.E.M. is committed to working with communities to usher systemic change so that professional and educational spaces honour Black girls’ abilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Giving Black Girls an E.S.T.E.E.M. Filled Tomorrow”
Why do we do it?
In Ontario, Black girls continue to progress academically and attend post-secondary institutions at increased rates (Robonson, Anisef, Brown, George, 2018). Despite such strides, in Canada and across North America, Black women are significantly underrepresented in STEM careers (Hill Morton & Smith-Mutegi, 2018; Statistics Canada, 2019). Research has shown that teachers hold Black girls to lower expectations (Pringle et al., 2012) and Black girls are less likely to complete advanced STEM courses in high school (Walker, 2007). Black girls’ dehumanizing STEM experiences can negatively impact their identification and engagement with STEM, as well as lower their chances to succeed academically in STEM subjects (Joseph, 2017; Hill Morton & Smith-Mutegi, 2018).
At Black E.S.T.E.E.M., we understand our mission to be deeply intertwined with the work of anti-racism, anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and equity. We understand that our work goes beyond educating Black girls and building their STEM confidence. It is our duty to address and demand systemic change and justice. We believe that only with institutional change will Black women and girls have equal opportunities to access and succeed in STEM careers and learning spaces. We also have a duty to collaborate with other organizations, institutions, and sectors to help ensure that our vision of a racially just society for Black women and girls becomes a reality.
