Detroit Regional Chamber > Economic Equity & Inclusion > Bridging the Gap: Addressing Racial Disparities in STEM Occupations in the Detroit Region

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Racial Disparities in STEM Occupations in the Detroit Region

September 4, 2024 Christi Taylor

Christi Taylor | Senior Director, Talent Initiatives, Detroit Regional Chamber

In the rapidly evolving innovation economy, achieving equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity.  

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Sixty by 30 goal underscores this by increasing postsecondary attainment to 60% by 2030 while simultaneously reducing the racial equity gap by half—both essential for fostering an inclusive and thriving economy. 

Nonetheless, the path to reaching these goals is filled with obstacles. The latest data from the Detroit Regional Dashboard reveals stark disparities that highlight the urgency of closing equity gaps regarding STEM jobs: 7.3% of the workforce is made up of STEM jobs, and of that, 9.1% is Black, and 71.9% is white. 

Achieving the broader 60% by 2030 goal is not possible without closing the racial equity gap. Similarly, closing that racial equity gap will require building a more inclusive pipeline to STEM careers. 

Improving Postsecondary Completion Requires a Holistic Approach 

A critical challenge lies in the fact that Black and Latino students are completing college at lower rates than their white peers, highlighting a need to redesign our systems to better support diverse students to address this persistent inequality in higher education achievement. 

Related: Detroit Future City’s Prosperidad Económica: Education and Workforce Outcomes for Detroit’s Latino/Hispanic Community 

For many students, life obstacles such as financial hardship, demanding work schedules, and family responsibilities also pose significant barriers to completing their education, making it crucial to address these challenges holistically.  

Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from educational institutions, policymakers, business leaders, and communities to create more equitable and inclusive environments that empower all students to succeed. 

Rapid-response Emergency Grants Deliver Results 

Our Education and Talent team at the Chamber proactively addresses these challenges through initiatives like the Detroit Area Talent Fund (DATF), which offers rapid-response emergency grants to under-resourced STEM students facing unforeseen financial difficulties. This support helps students overcome barriers for basic needs such as food, transportation, housing, and internet access, allowing them to pursue their education without interruptions. 

The DATF also tackles the employment gap in STEM fields by engaging employers who provide information about job and internship opportunities so that DATF grantees have direct access to companies hiring for STEM roles.  

Related: Rocket Community Fund, Detroit Regional Chamber, and Last Mile Education Fund Announce Expansion of Detroit Area Talent Fund 

Promoting Career Pathways to In-Demand Jobs 

Another program we initiated at the Chamber focuses on creating and promoting career pathways across key industries, such as Information Technology (IT), that pay a family-sustaining wage, are seeing growth in the labor market, and are in demand from regional employers. These pathway maps illuminate the diverse and high-demand job opportunities unlocked by different credentials and demonstrate how stacking multiple credentials can enhance students’ education and career trajectories. 

The Detroit Promise: A Tuition-free Path 

We also focus on removing barriers for diverse talent to access and complete college through the Detroit Promise. This program offers tuition-free pathways for Detroit high school graduates to pursue higher degrees and credentials without the burden of tuition fees, ultimately contributing to a more educated and skilled workforce. 

Related: Chamber’s Sandy K. Baruah Interviews Detroit Promise’s Jade Scott on WJR’s ‘Focus’  

How Employers Can Support Students in STEM 

Employers play a critical role in addressing the racial disparity in STEM occupations by implementing inclusive hiring practices and fostering diverse and supportive work environments for underrepresented talent to enter and thrive in STEM roles. 

Additionally, employers can partner with educational institutions and organizations like the Chamber to provide internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs that offer real-world experience and support for students pursuing STEM careers. This collaboration benefits the students and helps businesses tap into a diverse pool of talented, well-prepared candidates ready to contribute and bring fresh perspectives to the industry.  

Related: How Your Business Can Get Involved With the Chamber’s Education and Talent Initiatives 

The Road Ahead Requires a Regional Approach 

Addressing racial disparities in STEM fields is a complex challenge that requires innovative solutions. Our initiatives at the Chamber are crucial steps toward bridging this gap and we are uniquely positioned to lead these efforts. Through ongoing collaboration among businesses, education, and government, we can close the racial disparities in STEM occupations, fostering a more robust and inclusive economy for both the Detroit Region and the state. 

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