Rooted in history, rising in STEAM

Lessons from four Black pioneers

African Americans have long been underrepresented in STEAM careers: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Today, Black Americans make up only 9% of the STEAM workforce. While the acronym previously excluded Arts, its inclusion in 2020 recognizes how creativity and meaning-making are essential to innovation.

One of the most effective ways to increase representation is highlighting Black innovators whose contributions are often overlooked. K-12 STEAM textbooks frequently focus on white inventors, leaving out Black scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Seeing themselves reflected in these fields can help Black youth envision a future in STEAM. 

Below are four trailblazers whose leadership and breakthroughs offer lessons for students, educators and families alike.

Dr. Euphemia Haynes (1890–1980) 

Dr. Haynes was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics and taught in Washington, D.C. for 47 years across elementary, high school, and college levels. She chaired the D.C. Board of Education, the first woman ever to do so, and founded the Mathematics Department at the University of the District of Columbia.

Haynes fought against discriminatory tracking in schools, which often underestimated Black students’ abilities. Her advocacy contributed to the landmark Hobson v. Hansen case, which dismantled these unjust systems.

Lessons for today:

• Black students excel in STEAM when given access and exposure.
• Educator training is critical to ensure teachers can support Black youth in pursuing STEAM careers.
• Spotlighting Black women’s achievements in STEAM is vital, as they make up just 2% of the workforce.

Dr. George Washington Carver (1864–1943)

Kidnapped at birth and raised in a white household, Carver overcame immense barriers to pursue science. Denied college entry due to his race, he taught himself biology and eventually became the first Black student at Iowa State University. 

Carver later led the Agricultural Department at Tuskegee Institute, developing hundreds of inventions, including hundreds of uses for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and collaborated with Henry Ford on early biofuels.

Lessons for today:

• Encourage curiosity and hands-on exploration of STEAM at home.
• Support children in pursuing passions even when access is limited.
• Early exposure and parental guidance can make STEAM careers feel attainable.

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison (born 1956) 

Jemison earned degrees in chemical engineering and African-American studies at Stanford, followed by a medical degree from Cornell. She served as a doctor in Liberia and Sierra Leone with the Peace Corps, then joined NASA, becoming the first Black woman in space.

Jemison later founded the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, hosting science camps where children solve real-world problems using STEAM. She continues to advocate for representation and mentorship in these fields.

Lessons for today:

• Hands-on experiences help children see possibilities in STEAM.
• STEAM connects to many fields; career paths are not always linear.
• Exposure to real-world applications shows children how STEAM can solve community problems.

Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928) 

Born during the Civil War, Latimer was largely self-taught. He became a patent draftsman and inventor, working with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison on the telephone and light bulb. 

He later created an early version of the air conditioner and received seven patents over his lifetime. Latimer also taught mechanical drawing and English to Black immigrants in New York, advocating for accessible education.

Lessons for today:

• Network and mentorship opportunities are crucial for STEAM success.
• Culturally relevant and identity-affirming education encourages Black students to pursue these fields.
• Extracurricular programs, like SAT/ACT prep in STEAM subjects, can bridge gaps and expand opportunities.

These four innovators exemplify the power of persistence, creativity and leadership. By spotlighting Black pioneers in STEAM, educators and parents can inspire youth to imagine careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. 

Increasing equity in STEAM not only helps individual students thrive but also ensures the field benefits from diverse perspectives, driving innovation and solutions for generations to come.

Alex Nellis is a recent communication graduate who grew up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. He is passionate about social justice and has completed graduate certificates in gender studies and cultural diversity.