Miss Black Alabama USA 2007

"Math and Science Literacy: Unlocking Doors for Educational Opportunity"

Since the age of 12, I have enjoyed mathematics. I have excelled in every area of math, beginning with Basic Mathematics and ending with Differential Equations. I have a sense of eagerness for mathematics. However, none of my acquaintances shared that same eagerness for math as I did. While a junior in high school, I was nominated for a Minority Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program at the University of Arkansas by my algebra professor. When I got accepted into the program I was elated. While attending the first class I was astonished by the number of female participants, less than 35% were female. The following year, I attended an engineering conference in which less than 10% of the students were African American. I could not believe that these few Black students applied to this program. I felt a disconnection between African Americans and women in areas of math and science. At that point I realized that many African American students were not being exposed to the different opportunities available for those individuals that were competent in math and science areas.

Between the ages of 8 and 15, black students find math as the hardest subject in school. Even though studies have shown that Black and Hispanic students have made a greater overall gain in math scores since 1988, we still have a long way to go. Studies show that we, African Americans, score lower in the math portion of standardized test.

In a 2005 report presented by the National Assessment of Educational Program, illustrate that in 1996 there was a 38% gap in science scores between white and black student, and in 2005 there was a 33% gap in science scores for 4^th grade white and black student. For 8^th grade students, the percentage change was only 1% from 1996 to 2005. It's good to confirm the drop in the percentage gap; however, we can do better in a 10-year period.

We all use math and science daily. We need to show student that math and science is all around us, and that it’s often used without us even being aware of it. We need to expose our youth early on of the benefits of learning math and science. And we need to expand beyond the textbooks. Science and Technology is one of the most demanding career areas of our time. Our youth need to be exposed to careers in Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Meteorology, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering.

I believe learning should be continuous. We should encourage cooperation rather than competition. Increasing our community's understanding and appreciation of mathematics and science will influence a growth pattern in our youth’s hard work and application in these areas. We need to develop programs that stimulate students’ interest in the areas of math and science. Providing them with the necessary skills is essential to their success and giving them a sanguine future. The opportunities that are available are remarkable.