Improving STEM education is crucial 

By Ivan Sanchez& In the ever-evolving landscape of education and employment, a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has become increasingly vital. This emphasis is especially critical for African American students, who historically have been underrepresented in these areas. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, America faces a pressing need to add 1 million more STEM professionals by 2022. However, statistics reveal that African American youth are the least likely racial group to pursue careers in technology fields. Addressing this disparity requires a concerted effort to support and encourage participation and success in STEM among students of all ages. Recognizing the pivotal role of early exposure and engagement, efforts to foster STEM literacy must begin at home. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) conducted a groundbreaking assessment of technology and engineering literacy in 2014. Out of 21,000 eighth-grade students surveyed, nearly two-thirds attributed their understanding of building and fixing things to family members, while only 13 percent credited teachers. This underscores the importance of continued learning outside the classroom and the significant role parents and family members play in nurturing technology and engineering literacy. Despite progress in some areas, significant disparities persist in STEM-related...