Creating Support Systems for Black Women in Nontraditional STEM Career Paths

Although careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are widely acknowledged as central to the future, women remain largely underrepresented in these spheres. This is particularly true for Black women, highlighting the necessity of support systems and resources designed to promote their success in STEM. Ideally, these supports should begin during the K-12 years and continue throughout the course of their educational journeys. Current research indicates that Black women in STEM achieve greater, lasting success when they have access to structured support systems. As the career paths of Black women in STEM continue to evolve, there remains a need for adaptable structures and resources that are applicable to their unique needs. Yet, these supports often do not exist for those pursuing nontraditional STEM career paths. Therefore, this chapter underscores the need for Black women in STEM to establish their own support systems, aligned with their specific career paths