The future is here — artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technology are rewriting the job market. Yet too many of our children are still being trained for an economy that no longer exists. If Black America does not get serious about preparing the next generation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), we risk being locked out of the future before it fully arrives.
The Coming Shift
By 2030, millions of jobs will be lost to automation and AI. At the same time, the fastest-growing and highest-paying fields are in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades. The gap is clear: the jobs that will survive — and pay well — demand advanced skills that many of our children are not being taught.
Where We Stand Now
Black students are underrepresented in STEM programs, both in high school and college. According to the National Science Foundation, Black workers make up less than 9% of the STEM workforce, even though we are 13% of the population. This isn’t just inequality — it’s a threat to our survival in the economy of tomorrow.
The Education System’s Failure
Public schools serving Black communities often lack updated labs, coding programs, or teachers trained in modern tech. While wealthier districts prepare their students for robotics and computer science, our children are too often handed outdated books and told to focus on passing standardized tests.
Breaking the Cycle
We cannot wait for the system to fix itself. Black parents, churches, and community leaders must create pipelines that equip children with the skills of the future. That means:
- After-School Coding & Robotics Programs
- Scholarships for STEM Fields
- Mentorship From Black Engineers and Scientists
- Community Tech Centers and Maker Spaces
- Trades and Technical Skills Alongside College Prep
Sovereignty Through STEM
Black America cannot rise without mastering the tools of the next economy. Land and business ownership remain essential, but in the 21st century, technology is power. If we fail to adapt, we consign another generation to low-wage jobs and dependency. But if we embrace STEM, we don’t just survive the future — we lead it.
