Examining Black Students’ and Mentors’ Experiences in a Summer Engineering Experience for Kids Program Article

Fletcher, T, Alharbi, A, Qasim, M et al. (2025). Examining Black Students’ and Mentors’ Experiences in a Summer Engineering Experience for Kids Program . 10.1007/s41979-024-00142-z

cited authors

  • Fletcher, T; Alharbi, A; Qasim, M; Hooper, K; Collins, E

authors

abstract

  • This study examined the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) program offered by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), to understand the experiences of SEEK students and mentors. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a mixed-methods survey from 266 SEEK participants. The analysis revealed that race and gender could play a role in the participants’ experiences. Black students showed more interest in STEM fields as a result of participating in SEEK, as it influenced their career decisions, influenced their decision to participate in STEM fields, and pursue engineering careers. In terms of gender, the program had a more significant impact on career decisions for male students than for female students. The qualitative results also showed that Black male students valued the experiences and knowledge they gained from SEEK, whereas Black female students highlighted the sense of community and learning offered by SEEK. With respect to mentors, Black males viewed mentorship as crucial for their career development, while Black female mentors valued meaningful connections, practical learning, and skill development. The study indicated that exposure to STEM can foster a learning mindset and resilience, equip students with various STEM-related knowledge and experience, and encourage long-term engagement with STEM fields. Using the matrix proposed in this study, it was concluded that male participants externalized their engagement with STEM by valuing the knowledge they gained and its influence on their career and college decisions. In contrast, female participants internalized their engagement with STEM, valuing networking and positive experiences. It is necessary for female participants to externalize their interest in and engagement with STEM to address the lack of diversity in STEM fields.

publication date

  • January 1, 2025

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)