MBK | My Brother's Keeper

» IMPACT STATEMENT

Studies show that there is a marked disparity between African -Americans in the S.T.E.M. and Technology career fields and post-secondary degree fields. Though many public, post-secondary education institutes offer S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) degree paths, many inner-city students of color are woefully unaware or intimidated by pursuing a career path into these fields.

In Shelby County, African-American male students are performing at a lower level than their peers, accessing advanced programs at a lower rate or experiencing critical issues that impact achievement.

Statistics show that with regards to African-American male students:

• 66% are economically disadvantaged
• They represent 41% of total student absences
• They are 50% more likely to be suspended or expelled than peers
• They are 50% more likely to be enrolled in an alternative school
• They average four points lower than average state graduation rate
• 17% meeting state standards for Math, 14% meeting state standards for English/Language Arts
• Only 5% participate in Advanced Placement courses
• 50% more likely to require special education

** Source: Memphis- Shelby County Schools, www.scsk12.org

The purpose of our program is to engage students at younger levels (elementary age), in order to introduce S.T.E.M. education and career paths. Our goal is to increase awareness of S.T.E.M. education and career paths in inner-city elementary schools by 20% over the next school term, by engaging role models from local area colleges and businesses, providing access to adequate equipment and materials to local area grade-school partners, and measuring the end result by the number of students participating in the program each school term.