Black STEM professionals discuss the ‘vital’ importance of representation [Video]

White, a Black man, is a board member for CABPES in addition to working as a math tutor, advisor and volunteer with the organization.

The history of CABPES dates back to the late 1970s. Today, there are 120 students registered with the organization, which caters to students in grades 5-12. The nonprofit works to encourage Black students and students from other marginalized backgrounds to pursue an interest in the STEM field.

According to 2019 data collected by the National Science Board (NSB), Black or African American workers make up 12% of the U.S. working population but represent just 9% of STEM workers. White people, on the other hand, are overrepresented in the STEM field; White people make up 61% of the American workforce but they make up 65% of those working in STEM.

For Earl White, that data show the importance of organizations like CABPES. White said the first step to encouraging Black youth to take an interest in STEM …