What is it about?
Black women continue to be underrepresented in STEM, facing barriers from discrimination and limited support. Google Code Next's Team Edge program addresses this by teaching tech skills and fostering connections. The concept "tech social capital," helps Black girls build networks, offering mentorship and diverse courses. Research suggests the program's success in creating a supportive environment, encouraging sense of belonging to network building to support STEM pursuits.
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Why is it important?
Black women are still underrepresented in STEM, facing challenges like discrimination, lack of support, and few role models. These barriers make it harder for them to enter and stay in tech careers, even when they have the talent and interest. Google Code Next’s Team Edge program helps by teaching tech skills and helping thier student's build connections in the tech world. The idea of "tech social capital" means that having strong networks—mentors, peers, and industry contacts—can make a big difference in helping Black girls feel supported and confident in tech spaces and better able to navigate them. Research shows that when Black girls have access to mentors and a sense of community, they’re more likely to continue in STEM. Programs like Team Edge create a welcoming and inclusive space where they can grow their skills, see real career paths, and feel like they belong. These findings are important because they show that building networks is just as crucial as learning technical skills in making STEM more accessible and equitable for Black women.
Perspectives
As a researcher and educator focused on equity in education and STEM access, I have seen firsthand how systemic barriers limit opportunities for Black girls in tech. Through my work evaluating programs like Google Code Next and leading research on education policy and urban systems, I’ve observed the critical role that mentorship, community, and access to resources play in shaping students' success. As a Black woman in research and technology spaces, I know how important it is to create pathways that empower young Black girls to see themselves in STEM careers. This work is personal to me because I believe that when we invest in building social capital, we open doors for the next generation of Black women in tech.
Dr. Camille Ferguson
Education Development Center
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Important Role Social Capital Plays in Navigating the Computing Education Ecosystem for Black Girls, Digital Threats Research and Practice, April 2024, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery),
DOI: 10.1145/3632295.
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