An Exploration of Career Choice of Black Middle School Youth After Their Participation in a Culturally Relevant STEM/Agricultural 4-H Program
Abstract
There is a substantial gap between the demand for skilled workers in the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources sector and the available workforce, with the additional challenge of underrepresenting Black professionals in this field. This study investigates the career preferences of Black middle school students in Texas to unravel the root causes contributing to the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of diversity. Utilizing qualitative research methods, I employed a semi-structured protocol involving nine Black students. I aimed to assess their career choices, camp experiences, and perceptions of agriculture after participating in a STEM-focused, culturally relevant agricultural program offered by the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program 4-H camp. Thematic analysis revealed that while the camp did not alter their immediate career choices, it increased their interest in agriculture and awareness of available careers. Furthermore, their perception of agriculture shifted towards viewing it as a STEM-related field following their camp experience. The implications of this study are significant for 4-H Youth Development professionals and other youth-serving agricultural educational programs offering insights into the design of STEM-based agricultural programs that leverage students' interests and skills to create connections to agricultural occupations. By addressing the workforce gap and promoting diversity in the agricultural sector, this research may contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant agricultural workforce.
Description
Keywords
Black students, Agricultural education, 4-H, STEM, Role model, Sense of belonging, pedagogy, Underserved youth