NCCU Alumna Launches Organization to Bridge the Gap in STEM Diversity
In an effort to address the significant underrepresentation of Black individuals in the STEM workforce, Eisha Clyde, an alumna of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), has launched a nonprofit organization named HBCU STEMulUS. The initiative aims to provide students of color with the resources and guidance necessary to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Vision Behind HBCU STEMulUS
Eisha Clyde’s journey from aspiring dentist to clinical immunology scientist underscores the critical role awareness and exposure play in career development. Initially focused on dentistry, Clyde discovered a passion for research—a path she was unaware of during her undergraduate studies at NCCU. Her experiences highlighted a pervasive issue: the lack of awareness and preparation among students regarding the diversity of career paths in the STEM fields.
“I wish I would have utilized my resources. Even opening myself up to see what else was out there,” Clyde shared, reflecting on her academic journey. With HBCU STEMulUS, she is determined to ease the path for students like herself by opening doors to opportunities and preparing them for the professional world.
Addressing a Critical Need
According to the National Science Foundation, Black individuals comprise only 9% of the STEM workforce, despite Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) accounting for 25% of all Black STEM graduates. This statistic underscores the importance and impact of organizations like HBCU STEMulUS in maximizing the potential of HBCU students and graduates.
“HBCUs produce many brilliant and qualified students, yet their talents remain underutilized due to a lack of exposure and resources,” Clyde remarked. HBCU STEMulUS aims to fill this gap by aligning students’ skills and passions with viable STEM career paths and providing professional development support.
The Local Impact and Community Support
In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, where the African American population is substantial, Clyde’s initiative arrives at a pivotal moment. By creating more informed and prepared STEM professionals within the Black community, HBCU STEMulUS has the potential to fuel economic growth and innovation locally.
Jose Martinez, a local Charlotte community leader, emphasized the significance of such initiatives. “This isn’t just about individual success; it’s about empowering our entire community. When our youth succeed, we all succeed,” he stated.
QCity Metro, a media outlet dedicated to serving Black communities in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, is actively supporting the mission by highlighting initiatives like HBCU STEMulUS. As a hub for news, information, and community events, QCity Metro recognizes the importance of fostering community interest and engagement in efforts that promise significant local impact.
Future Implications for HBCU STEMulUS
Through fostering partnerships with corporations, HBCU STEMulUS seeks to increase the representation of HBCU graduates in corporate STEM roles, thus leveraging the untapped potential residing within HBCUs. By doing so, Clyde aims to not only provide continuous pathways for students but also enhance diversity in STEM fields as a whole.
The initiative’s success could encourage similar approaches across the nation, inspiring other communities and educational institutions to adopt strategies that better prepare students of color for STEM careers.
However, like any emerging nonprofit, the effectiveness of HBCU STEMulUS rests on collaboration with other organizations, community stakeholders, and sustainable funding. Community engagement, feedback, and support will be vital as the organization navigates these formative stages.
Resources for Community Member Involvement
For students eager to explore STEM opportunities or for community members interested in supporting the mission, HBCU STEMulUS offers a range of services, including career exploration programs and professional development workshops. Additionally, Clyde is keen on harnessing local resources and support networks to broaden the nonprofit’s reach and impact.
At a time when diversity in STEM is more critical than ever, Eisha Clyde’s HBCU STEMulUS stands as a beacon of hope and progress, promising to reshape the narrative for Black students and graduates entering STEM fields. As Clyde aptly notes, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” and her organization aims to illuminate the many pathways leading to successful and fulfilling careers in STEM.
