Understanding and Offsetting Financial Barriers for Black Students in Science, Engineering, and Medicine

The number of Black students in science, engineering, and medicine in the United States has remained disproportionately low over the past several decades. A number of reasons have been identified as contributing to these low numbers, including those related to finances. Financial considerations range from the most immediate - the ability of students to pay for their education and associated costs - to more structural concerns, such as inequities that created and have perpetuated a wealth gap between races and ethnic groups.On April 19-20, 2021, the Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine organized a virtual public workshop to examine financial barriers for Black students in science, engineering, and medicine, explore existing educational programs to them, and engage stakeholders in conversations about partnerships and policies that span academia, industry, and philanthropy. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction2 Addressing Barriers and Opportunities for the Workforce of the Future3 Supportive Workforce Development and Academic Enrichment Programs4 Creating Opportunities for the Future5 Fellowships, Philanthropy, and Industry6 Beyond Finances: Living, Growing, and Thriving in Institutions of Higher Learning as a Standard7 Policies, Programs, and ResourcesAppendix A: Workshop AgendaAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Roundtable Members and Speakers