This week we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a perfect time to shine a light on the future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the young minds who will shape it. At Harlem STEM Up!, we’re all about making sure Black and Latinx/Hispanic students in Harlem get the opportunities, mentorship, and support they need to thrive in STEM fields—especially young girls who don’t always see themselves represented in these careers.
Over the next decade, STEM jobs are expected to grow significantly, with millions of opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, medicine, environmental science, and robotics. But here’s the thing—not enough Black and Latinx students are getting access to the right programs and prep to get into top STEM schools. That’s where we come in!
Why STEM (and Representation) Matters
STEM is shaping our world—from the apps on your phone to the latest medical breakthroughs. But let’s be honest: there aren’t enough women or people of color in these spaces yet. Studies show that early exposure to STEM and having mentors who look like you make a huge difference in whether students pursue these careers.
That’s exactly why Dr. Madeline Y. Sutton started Harlem STEM Up. She’s a Harlem native, a doctor, and a former CDC medical expert—but her journey started as a student at Bronx High School of Science. She knows firsthand that having access to great STEM programs and mentors opens doors. Now, she’s on a mission to make sure more Black and Latinx students get those same opportunities.
How Harlem STEM Up Helps Students Succeed
We know two big things hold students back from STEM opportunities:
1. Not Enough Access to Great STEM Programs
Many students in Harlem don’t have the same resources as some kids from other NYC neighborhoods. We step in by offering STEM workshops, mentoring, and scholarships to help level the playing field.
2. Not Enough Support for NYC’s Specialized High School Test (SHSAT)
Getting into NYC’s top STEM high schools—like Bronx Science, Stuyvesant, and Brooklyn Tech—requires taking the SHSAT. But a lot of Black and Latinx students either don’t know about it or don’t have access to prep courses. We help students prepare for and crush the SHSAT so they can get into these amazing schools.
Our team—made up of STEM pros, educators, and Bronx Science alumni—provides connections to:
✅ SHSAT Test Prep & Tutoring
✅ Fun, Hands-On STEM Events
✅ Mentorship from STEM Experts
✅ Scholarships for STEM Students
We’re already seeing real results, and with your help, we can reach even more students!
STEM Jobs Are Booming—Let’s Get Our Kids Ready!
Here’s some exciting news: STEM jobs are expected to grow 11% by 2031, way faster than other careers! That means more high-paying jobs in fields like AI, cybersecurity, biotech, and clean energy. But if our kids don’t get the right training and exposure early on, they could miss out on these amazing opportunities.
We’re here to make sure Harlem’s students don’t get left behind in the future of STEM.
How You Can Support Harlem STEM Up
In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, here’s how you can help Harlem STEM Up make a difference:
🌟 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay up to date with STEM events, resources, and student success stories on Facebook, Instagram, and our upcoming newsletter!
🌟 Become a Mentor – If you’re a STEM professional, share your journey and inspire the next generation!
🌟 Donate – Every dollar helps fund scholarships, STEM events, and test prep programs.
🌟 Spread the Word – Know a student who might be interested? Send them our way!
STEM should be for everyone, and together, we can make sure Harlem’s youth get the support they need to dream big and achieve even bigger.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter for more STEM news, events, and resources for students, parents, and educators!
Visit Harlem STEM Up to learn more and get involved. Let’s make the future of STEM diverse, inclusive, and full of opportunity!
