STEMming the Shortage and Meeting the Demand for STEM Professionals

Patrick Franklin
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Palm Beach

The data is clear—and irrefutable. Underrepresented minorities currently make up 30% of our nation’s population (a number projected to reach more than 40% by 2050), but in the STEM field, they are poorly represented with only 12.5% earning STEM degrees in 2011. The demand for qualified STEM professionals is high, but the supply is low. Therefore, it is critical that more people from marginalized communities pursue careers in these fields, but that is easier said than done.

Creating an Education Oasis in a Digital Desert

Nina Harris
President & Chief Executive Officer, Springfield Urban League

Facebook: Springfield Urban League

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X

In its most basic sense, civil rights can be defined as the rights of citizens to political and social freedom, and equality. Civil rights afford individuals the opportunity to live freely, unchained from the limits set by discrimination. Never before has the issue of access to technology played such a critical role in the attainment of civil rights and one's potential to realize the American dream. In fact, it has become intrinsically connected to the yield of opportunity a student can expect from his or her investment in education.

Making the Grade: STEAM Prepares Students for Success

Esther L. Bush
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Facebook: @ulpgh

Homestead Borough, an underpopulated and chronically underserved community located near the city of Pittsburgh, has had its share of hard times. And for many students at Propel Andrew Street High School, whose challenges span the spectrum from poor attendance to failing grades, the road to academic success often feels like a dead end. In response, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh created the Digital Connectors/Project Ready STEAM (DC/PR STEAM) program.

Today’s Students are Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers

Theodia B. Gillespie
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quad County Urban League

Twitter: @QCUL

When I began my career in 1984 as the education director for the Aurora Area Urban League (now known as the Quad County Urban League), I was charged with launching Tomorrow's Scientists, Technicians and Managers (TSTM). The program, designed for minority youth, would expose them to science and technology and offer math and science tutoring support to prepare them for careers as scientists, engineers, mathematicians and business leaders.

Cashing in on Technological Investments: Growing A Business with the Contractor’s Resource Center

Erika McConduit, Esq
President and CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana

Facebook: @urbanleaguela

As small businesses and startups continue to drive economic growth, the Urban League of Louisiana Women’s Business Resource and Entrepreneurship Center (WBR & EC), as well as our extension, the Contractor’s Resource Center (CRC), continue to provide access to education, capital, and mentorship through a vast array of technical assistance offerings. As a result of the extensive, one-on-one interactive trainings, long-term professional business advising, and other specialized services clients receive, our program remains one of New Orleans’ most impactful business assistance programs serving the southeast region of our state.

Minding the Gap: Connecting Diversity with Diverse IT

Nancy Flake Johnson
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Greater Atlanta

Twitter: @ULGATL

In today’s economy, the information technology sector offers the best long-term growth and wealth building opportunity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our economy is expected to add 557,100 new IT jobs between 2016 and 2026, representing a 13% growth—which is faster than the average for all occupations. And, in 2016, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $82,860—higher than the median annual wage of $37,040 for non-tech jobs.

A Head Start Increases Science Aptitude and Future Success

Michael P. McMillan
President & Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Twitter: @MMULSTL

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis' Head Start/Early Head Start (ULHS) program is a comprehensive early childhood education program that provides services to 672 children from birth to age five. A particular focus is placed on school-readiness, early childhood education, family and community engagement, and health and nutrition services.

Picking up STEAM: A Summer Academy Encourages Girls to Pursue Careers in Science and Tech

Thomas Warren Sr.
President and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska

Facebook: @urbanleagueneb

The Urban League of Nebraska (ULN) administers programs in education and youth development, offering supplemental and enrichment opportunities for high school students. One of our signature programs is the Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Academy, a college preparatory program. Under the leadership of Nicole Mitchell, the program’s coordinator, she operates a Girls Summer STEAM Academy in collaboration with the Omaha Public Schools District.

Access on Wheels: A Mobile Computer Lab Drives Through the Technology Gap

Erin R. Houston, Ph.D.
President & Chief Executive Officer, Shenango Valley Urban League

Facebook: Shenango Valley Urban League

In the 21^st century, it is common for households to have a computer, sometimes multiple computers. It is also likely that young boys and girls will formally learn how to use a computer during their elementary school years. This early exposure develops their computer skills and affords them an ease with technology that can later be put to practical use as adults.

The Opportunities and Challenges of Civil Rights in the Digital Age

Judson W. Robinson III
President & Chief Executive Officer, Houston Area Urban League

Twitter: @HouUrbanLeague

Over the past 50 years, we have seen immense changes and improvements in technology—from cell phones and the internet becoming commonplace in the 1990s to social media becoming the norm in the early 2000s. Over the last decade, the Houston Area Urban League has had to adjust with the times and make a seemingly inevitable transition, transforming into a digital agency that utilizes emerging technology to communicate with stakeholders and serve our community.

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2018