New Programs Advance Black Excellence in STEM Fields

University Initiatives Fueling Black Excellence in STEM

The University of Wisconsin–Madison recently launched the Black Males in Engineering (BME) project, a new initiative aimed at increasing representation of Black men in STEM fields. Led by Professor Brian Burt, this project provides resources for families, educators, and mentors to support Black male students from elementary school through doctoral studies. With a dedicated video series, interactive guides, and online resources, BME hopes to bridge gaps in STEM opportunities for Black students, encouraging academic success and peer connections. Burt, drawing on a decade of research, emphasizes the need for culturally relevant support and community engagement to make STEM fields more accessible for Black students.

This initiative arrives as only 2% of STEM graduate students are Black men, according to the National Science Foundation, highlighting the need for specialized support and mentorship at every educational level.

Celebrating Black Lives Matter Day in STEM at UMass Boston

At UMass Boston’s recent Black Lives Matter Day, titled “Black to the Future,” the university celebrated Black excellence in STEM with speakers, panels, and mentorship sessions. Keynote speaker Professor Renée Gosline from MIT discussed the impact of AI and the need for ethical, human-first AI systems. STEM professionals, including representatives from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), shared personal stories and practical advice, encouraging students to seek mentorship, maintain resilience, and pursue what “sets their soul afire.” The event concluded with a screening of the documentary Coded Bias, which explores racial and gender biases in AI, inspiring students to envision a more inclusive tech landscape.

With both events, UMass Boston and UW–Madison exemplify a growing commitment to building an inclusive STEM workforce by removing barriers and providing culturally relevant mentorship and resources.