Introduction

Actua is proud to support network members in programming to engage Black youth.  Programming for Black youth is designed to create safe, culturally-relevant and engaging learning environments where Black youth can visualize themselves in science, technology engineering, and math, and gain the skills and confidence needed to fulfil their important role in STEM. 

Guiding Principles

The program includes a variety of delivery types, ranging from camps, clubs, workshops, events and much more. The bases of each program will be founded on the following goals:

• Provide diverse and relatable mentorship opportunities and role models for Black youth. Creating a relatable space where Black youth can visualise themselves as professionals in scientific settings is imperative. 

• Encourage youth to interact with the Black community in spaces where they feel welcomed and engage parents. Incorporating black culture and experiences will give students a familiar space to learn something unfamiliar.

• Lay the foundation for STEM literacy among Black youth by creating lasting experiences that will leave participants encouraged about future careers in science and engineering. These events will be catered to relatable needs of the black community. 

Successful practices: 

Actua is a leader in delivering inclusive, relevant and engaging STEM programming. That expertise will be utilized in the development of STEM and digital skills programming designed to engage Black youth.  By conducting interviews with network members and researching black experiences in STEM, Actua will build on the guiding principles set out below: 

1. Increase the visibility of Black professionals in STEM fields. A significant need identified by network members is the necessity to increase visibility of current Black professionals in various fields. Many Black youth are simply unaware of the options available to them and often don't know these careers exist.
   
   Example: Having sessions like “Mind of a Chemist” will open students up to different ways of scientific thinking and show them what it takes to be in a certain type of career. Many Black youth do not know where to apply their talents and these types of initiatives will demonstrate where needs are greatest. 

2. Highlight the history of prominent Black inventors in technology and any historical Black figures that were prominent in innovative fields. There is a deep lack of historical knowledge that Black youth can identify with in terms of role models in tech fields. Highlighting the many obstacles and achievements Black people made in history will create a sense of pride and belonging in fields such as engineering.
   
   Example: Having an interactive event that highlights Black entrepreneurs over the years and how they took their innovative ideas from prototype to production.

3. Meet the needs of Black youth interested in STEM in spaces where Black communities tend to gather. Meeting where youth already gather increases a participants sense of belonging and helps them feel safe while exploring and engaging in STEM.

4. A safe social space is a place where participants feel respected, comfortable and feel they are an important member of the group. In other words, a space in which they feel they belong. Without this sense of ‘safety,’ youth are less willing or able to express themselves, be creative and take risks to try new things. Utilising spaces where parents and caregivers are comfortable and know their youth are safe both increases the likelihood of youth participating as well as the likelihood of engaging with parents as key influencers of their children.
   
   Example: A large part of many Black and immigrant cultures is going to church. Understanding the community needs and hosting programming where youth feel safe and able to learn will make programming most impactful.

5. Content should be presented by Black instructors and mentors to ensure there is a high level of relatability between the youth and the content shared. It is imperative that Black youth can visualise themselves in STEM fields to avoid long term imposter syndrome or a lack of confidence in their own abilities.
   
   Example: Making sure to hire Black instructors for events and camps will increase the likelihood that kids will create stronger associations between themselves and the STEM community at large. 

6. Content should be developed with community partners whenever possible. Using topics that are relevant to the youth in the community you are serving.

7. Join with the Actua network to ensure all instructors are trained in Anti-racism in STEM. We are pleased to offer  Anti-racism in STEM training through the exchange as one resource, and network members are encouraged to leverage university and community partner resources to ensure their staff are suitably trained.
   
   Example: Holding an Anti-racism in STEM module debrief session with your university’s local chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.  Be sure to discuss what your local community partner is comfortable with and ensure you have a clear shared understanding of expectations