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Paperback Book Details
  • 10/2021
  • 978-1737273141 1737273144
  • 224 pages
  • $15.99
Dream On!: Supporting and Graduating African American Girls and Women in STEM
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a doctor one day? Do you have a passion for math or science? Would you like to pursue an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM)? If you answered yes to one of these questions, then this text is for you! The text draws upon the personal narratives of 16 undergraduate African American women who had aspirations of pursuing undergraduate degrees that led to careers in medicine, health professions, engineering, or mathematical fields. The book begins by telling their success stories and love for math and science in K-12 settings. It then discusses their stories of trials, triumphs, and even some tragedies when pursuing their undergraduate degrees at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). A discussion on how they built a sense of community, that is a sense of belonging in their majors is described as well. The text describes why some African American girls and women leave STEM field and why others stick with pursuing their undergraduate STEM degrees. Despite enduring challenges in their majors, all 16 of resilient African American women completed undergraduate degrees in health science, social science, and/or STEM majors. Careers that these women pursued were medical doctors, scientists, mathematicians by way of finance, engineer, business professional, and human resources professionals. Recommendations include, the teaching methods that match the learning styles for African American girls and women pursuing STEM fields from elementary school to middle school, high school, and college; and ways community can be built for them while pursuing their STEM degrees. The book is a must read for girls, women, and minority women, and minorities who want to pursue STEM fields and medical degrees at predominantly white institutions, families, educators, administrators, and policymakers.
Reviews
In this inspiring exploration of African American women in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), McPherson provides comprehensive research and first hand accounts through a case study of 16 African American college students and their lived experience pursuing degrees within the field. Organized, clear, and concise, McPherson’s study provides insights through anecdotes drawing on her own experience and through the accomplishments and setbacks faced by her subjects, some of whom eventually leave the STEM track. Sharing their stories from early education up to their college majors, the young women provide detailed insight into a field that is mostly male dominated and has made little space for women, especially minorities.

McPherson’s impassioned yet professional look at STEM and the challenges facing these young women proves illuminating, occasionally heartbreaking, and ultimately heartening. Explaining the “hidden” curriculum and the “cooling out process” that typically pushes students out of the STEM programs, McPherson illuminates causes and consequences of the field’s lack of diversity, noting that women earned “just under 50% of the 666,157 science and engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016.” Delving into early exposure to STEM programs in early education, the effects of having diverse teachers and culturally responsive teaching, and specific accommodations to draw in African American students, Dream On provides detailed ways to support and motivate women like McPherson’s subjects.

Through inspiring narratives, McPherson's case studies show the perseverance that success in the field demands. Dream On is not only a well-researched account of these women’s experience but also a rousing call to action, for both African American women and the educational system, offering guidance and encouragement to students and urging greater support from schools, teachers, and more. This is a valuable resource for students entering the STEM field but also for the educators and administrators who they will encounter.

Takeaway: Case studies and rousing guidance for African American women entering the STEM field.

Comparable Titles: T.M. Moody's African American Women Pioneers in STEM, Ebony Omotola McGee's Black, Brown, Bruised.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

Formats
Paperback Book Details
  • 10/2021
  • 978-1737273141 1737273144
  • 224 pages
  • $15.99
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