Starting Early Is Key: Cultivating STEM Career Interests Among Black Boys and Young Men

ABSTRACT

The career development of Black boys and young men is a crucial matter given the values they add to society in general and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in particular. Despite this fact, relatively little research explores their STEM career development and interests, especially in the early childhood and adolescent years. Using social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this case study examines the exploratory activities that 10 Black male STEM majors engaged in as Black boys that helped them cultivate career interests in STEM. Data analysis revealed that these STEM learning experiences occurred in home and school settings. Recommendations for practice, policy, and research related to career development are shared to support STEM advancement among Black boys and young men.