Black and Indigenous sixth through ninth grade students from Madera Unified School District learned about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields during the inaugural George Washington Carver Black Excellence in Science and Technology Pre-Collegiate STEM Academy at Fresno State from July 17 through 21.

The academy was a partnership between the College of Science and Mathematics and Jewel of Justice, a professional consulting business in Fresno specializing in addressing racial equity and justice needs.

The 22 students participated in STEM-based learning activities related to neuroscience, psychology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, nutrition and soil conservation. All were designed to emphasize active learning and to develop students’ science identities in and beyond the classroom. In addition, Fresno State students from the Black Excellence in Science and Technology Club provided leadership and guidance during the event.

Dr. Chris Miller, a Fresno State psychology professor, and other faculty have worked side-by-side with Jewel of Justice founder and Fresno State alumna Dr. Karen Crozier on the program. They have partnered over the years on the ‘George Washington Carver: Black Excellence in Science and Technology’ project to introduce underrepresented students to the STEM fields and to future careers in those industries.

"I think for a lot of these students, they may or may not have been able to spend much time on the Fresno State campus,” Miller said. “This adds an additional component to their experience where they’re starting to, hopefully, imagine themselves as scientists and also as college students. And so, they’re starting to see themselves in multiple roles and experiencing the magic of what it would be like to take this education and career path."

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