Parents' perceptions of stem education in black churches

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to explore the feasibility of an educational program focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) delivered in an innovative informal learning environment: Black churches. In this initial phase we will identify and examine attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and misconceptions of parents about STEM and STEM pathways. We will also seek to identify elements that parents would like to see in a STEM education curriculum. The overall goal of EPICC STEMulation is to equip church leaders and parents from underrepresented backgrounds with the tools to deliver STEM content that is contextualized to their lived experiences to youth ages 10-14 who attend the partner churches. Research demonstrates that parental involvement is an important factor in education. When parents are involved in their children's education, their children perform better academically and socially [1][2]. Parents' belief systems have an impact on their feelings about their role in shaping their children's education [3]. These beliefs help them personally determine what is important and what their role can be in supporting the educational needs of their children. Their own sense of understanding and comfort level in supporting their children can have a significant influence on their children's educational success [4]. Actively engaging parents in their children's education helps with parents' perceptions about their ability to support their children. Blacks are overrepresented in many sports, and consequently sports and entertainment are generally seen as pathways to success. As a result, parents usually place more emphasis on getting their children involved in afterschool and weekend sports activities versus educational programs [4], [5], [6]. When parents do pursue educational programs for their children, they encounter additional obstacles. Many families have difficulty supporting their children's participation in educational programs due to changing work schedules and constraints such as public transportation and the cost to participate. This project will inform our understanding of how parents from marginalized communities view STEM pathways. While the primary goal of EPICC STEMulation is to broaden STEM learning participation, a potential secondary outcome that cannot be overlooked is the skill building opportunities for parents. In the paper, we will discuss the results of the focus groups and present the implications of the findings on educational systems and informal learning spaces.