š Breaking the Myth of the “Model Minority” in STEM š
When we talk about equity in STEM education, we often focus on broad racial and ethnic categories. The “AAPI” (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community is frequently viewed as a monolithāone that is overrepresented in science and technology fields. But behind the data lies a more complex and often overlooked reality: significant disparities exist within AAPI subgroups, especially among Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
At JerseySTEM, our mission is to empower middle school girls from underrepresented communities through access to quality STEM education. While our work primarily centers on girls from Black and Hispanic communities, we believe itās important to spotlight the invisible gaps that exist elsewhereāparticularly within a group that is frequently excluded from conversations around educational inequity.
Successes Masked by Aggregation
When viewed collectively, AAPI individuals appear to excel in STEM fields, often outperforming other racial and ethnic groups in educational attainment and career representation. For instance, Indian Americans and Taiwanese Americans have some of the highest rates of college degree attainment, with a significant portion of those degrees in STEM disciplines. According to Pew Research Center, Asian workers make up 13% of those employed in STEM occupations in the U.S.āmore than double their 6% share of total employment across all occupations. Their presence is particularly strong in computing, where one-in-five (20%) workers are Asian American. Notably, this overall share of 13% has remained steady since 2016. This success often leads to the perception of AAPI communities as a monolithic “model minority.” However, such aggregation conceals the struggles faced by other subgroups.
The Struggles of Underserved Communities
Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities often face systemic barriers that hinder access to education and career opportunities. For example:
- Southeast Asians: Cambodian, Laotian, and Hmong Americans have college degree attainment rates often below 20%. This stark contrast highlights the socioeconomic and educational barriers these communities face, such as limited access to resources and underfunded schools.
- Pacific Islanders: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, reflecting challenges like geographic isolation, lower high school graduation rates, and lack of exposure to STEM opportunities.
These disparities are compounded by factors such as poverty, discrimination, and underrepresentation, which make it difficult for these communities to enter and thrive in STEM fields. According to NPR, individuals like Kao Lee Yang have been deemed ineligible for certain fellowships because the overarching “Asian” category is not considered underrepresented in STEM, thereby overlooking the unique challenges faced by specific subgroups. ā
Diversity Drives Innovation
A diverse STEM workforce isn’t just a matter of fairnessāit’s a necessity for innovation. Different perspectives lead to better problem-solving, greater creativity, and groundbreaking discoveries. Addressing the disparities among AAPI subgroups ensures that the full range of talent within these communities can contribute to advancing science and technology.
How JerseySTEM Can Help
At JerseySTEM, we recognize the importance of empowering underserved communities. Our programs focus on bridging gaps in STEM education by:
- Bringing STEM workshops and mentorship programs to underfunded schools.
- Recruiting professionals to volunteer as mentors, providing role models who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.
- Partnering with companies to sponsor initiatives that specifically support underrepresented groups in STEM.
A Call to Action
Disaggregating data is essential to revealing the nuances within the AAPI community and designing targeted interventions. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, let’s commit to uplifting every subgroup, ensuring that all studentsāregardless of backgroundāhave the opportunity to thrive in STEM.
What you can do:
- Volunteer with organizations that promote STEM equity, like JerseySTEM.
- Advocate for inclusive policies and disaggregated data collection in your local schools.
- Mentor a student from an underrepresented AAPI background.
- Support efforts that amplify diverse voices and broaden the scope of who belongs in STEM.
At JerseySTEM, we envision a future where all young peopleāregardless of race, gender, or zip codeācan see themselves in science, technology, engineering, and math. That future starts by telling the full story, and ensuring no community is left behind in the push for equity.