Inclusivity in STEM: An Actionable Approach

In recent years, our society has seen first-hand how effective STEM has been in uplifting communities. Whether it be new sustainable energy systems developed for rural areas or innovations in telemedicine that ease the treatment process for under-served communities, we have seen a revolution in how STEM has been leveraged to improve the lives of those who are in any way in need. There is a saying that I believe, however, highlights a key problem in our society.

Give a man a fish, & he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, & he eats forever.

Our solutions to under-resourced communities is giving them a fish here & there, but this is simply not a sustainable approach to bringing equity to these populations. We need to start teaching everybody how to fish, not literally of course, but in the sense that we need to bring STEM education to the forefront of innovation. This article will highlight a few ways we can do that effectively.

1. Integrating STEM into Early Childhood Education

If we want to see real, long-term changes in underserved communities, we need to start at the beginning—by ensuring that STEM education is accessible from an early age. Often, children in under-resourced areas don’t have access to the same quality of education that more privileged students receive. By the time they’re introduced to STEM subjects, they’re already behind.

We need to integrate STEM into early childhood education in a way that makes it fun, engaging, and relatable to young learners. This doesn’t mean expecting elementary students to master advanced coding or solve complex equations, but rather giving them exposure to basic concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities, creative problem-solving exercises, and play-based learning.

Actionable Strategy: Governments, school districts, and nonprofits can collaborate to create STEM kits and curricula for underserved schools that don’t have access to advanced materials. Programs like these should focus on making STEM feel accessible, rather than intimidating, by connecting it to real-world problems that kids can relate to.

2. Making STEM Education Culturally Relevant

One major issue with the current education system is that STEM subjects often feel disconnected from the lived experiences of students in underserved communities. Many curriculums focus on problems that feel abstract or irrelevant to the challenges these students face in their own neighborhoods. If students don’t see how STEM is applicable to their everyday lives, they’re less likely to be interested or motivated to pursue it.

We need to create STEM education that reflects the cultural contexts of diverse students. For example, teaching students in inner cities about environmental engineering by looking at how they can combat local pollution, or introducing rural students to agricultural technology that can increase food security in their communities. When students see themselves in the work they’re doing, they are much more likely to engage with STEM.

Actionable Strategy: Partner with local leaders and experts in underserved areas to develop curricula that address local challenges through STEM. Schools should invite community members into classrooms to talk about their careers and how they use STEM to improve their own neighborhoods. By connecting STEM to real-world, community-specific issues, we can make it more accessible and meaningful for students.

3. Creating Mentorship and Internship Opportunities

In many underserved communities, students lack role models in STEM fields. They don’t see people like them—whether in terms of race, gender, or socioeconomic background—working in science, tech, or engineering. This creates a sense that these fields aren’t “for them,” which can discourage them from pursuing STEM careers even if they have an interest.

By creating mentorship programs that connect underserved students with STEM professionals, we can break down those barriers. Mentors provide guidance, support, and a real-world example of what’s possible. Similarly, internships give students hands-on experience, helping them understand what working in a STEM field is like while also building valuable skills.

Actionable Strategy: Businesses and universities should partner with schools in underserved areas to create structured mentorship and internship programs that specifically target underrepresented students. These programs should include both paid internships and scholarships to make STEM pathways financially viable for students from low-income families.

4. Closing the Digital Divide

We live in a world that is increasingly dependent on technology, yet many underserved communities still lack access to basic digital infrastructure, like high-speed internet or reliable computers. This “digital divide” creates a significant barrier to STEM education and career opportunities. Without access to technology, students in these communities are unable to participate in online learning, develop critical digital skills, or engage with the rapidly expanding digital economy.

Closing the digital divide is essential if we want to create equity in STEM. This means not only providing students with the necessary technology but also ensuring that they have the support and resources to use it effectively.

Actionable Strategy: Public-private partnerships should work to expand internet access and provide devices to underserved schools and households. Tech companies, governments, and nonprofits can create initiatives to distribute affordable or free technology, while also offering training programs to teach students and teachers how to use these tools effectively for STEM learning.

5. Encouraging Community-Driven STEM Solutions

We often think of STEM as something that exists in universities or research labs, but the reality is that some of the most powerful innovations come from the communities themselves. Encouraging a culture of community-driven STEM—where people in underserved areas are empowered to develop their own solutions to local challenges—can be a game-changer.

Community-based STEM initiatives can address everything from food insecurity to renewable energy, and they allow students to see the direct impact of their education. When students are part of a movement to solve problems in their own neighborhoods, they feel a sense of ownership and pride in their work, which can further fuel their interest in STEM.

Actionable Strategy: Schools, community centers, and nonprofits can establish maker spaces or STEM labs where students and community members can work together on real-world projects. These spaces should be equipped with tools and resources that allow students to experiment, build, and innovate in ways that directly benefit their communities.

In essence, if we want to create lasting change in underserved communities, we need to stop focusing on short-term solutions and start investing in education that empowers people to create their own future. STEM education is the key to that empowerment. By making STEM more accessible, culturally relevant, and connected to the real world, we can give students in underserved communities the tools they need to break the cycles of poverty and create sustainable, long-term success.

The future of innovation depends on who has access to knowledge—and it’s time we make that access universal. STEM education isn’t just about preparing individuals for jobs; it’s about equipping communities to solve their own challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By teaching everyone how to “fish,” we can ensure that the benefits of STEM extend to every corner of society, uplifting us all.