United Negro College Fund | UNCF

About UNCF's STEM Solution

Overview
UNCF’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) solution was established by the organization to address an urgent challenge in the U.S.—the growing shortage of skilled STEM workers. New technology and global competition are changing the occupational structure of the economy and job growth is focused on professional and technical jobs that require higher education and specialized training. The nation’s workforce is falling woefully behind in meeting that demand, but strategic partnerships between the private and nonprofit sectors can help turn this crisis around.

The goals of the UNCF STEM Solution are to:

  • Increase minority student interest in STEM
  • Provide workforce access to minority STEM students
  • Reduce financial obstacles for minority students pursuing STEM degrees
  • Increase the proportion of highly qualified African American STEM teachers

Rationale
During the next 10 to 15 years, U.S. STEM demand across most industries will outpace supply. To maintain a healthy economy in an ever-changing global environment, our nation needs a strong pipeline of diverse, highly skilled STEM workers. Minorities, in particular African Americans, are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields due to inadequate foundational skills in middle and high school, lack of financial resources for higher education and low awareness of/interest in STEM.

UNCF is uniquely positioned to help advance the dialogue on STEM education and employment and educate more African Americans in STEM. Today, the organization provides more than $22 million in scholarships to minorities pursuing STEM degrees.

Approach
UNCF developed its STEM Solutions initiative with input from key stakeholder groups and thought leaders across academia, government and private industry. As a result, UNCF’s initiative builds on existing efforts within the broader STEM community, as well as UNCF’s unique strengths and the strengths of its member institutions. Using this model, UNCF will collaborate with key stakeholders, including businesses, government, educators and others, to create new synergies between STEM education and employment.

Program Elements
UNCF STEM Scholars Program:

  • Scholarships
  • Internships
  • Mentoring
  • STEM education enhancements

UNCF Math and Science Teacher Education Program:

  • Recruitment and career awareness
  • Scholarships
  • Loan forgiveness/financial incentives
  • Teacher certification preparation
  • New teacher mentoring program

For more information on how your company can benefit from this program, contact us at StemSolution@UNCF.org or call (703) 205-3465.