Standing on the Outside Looking In

Increasing Access to Postsecondary Education as a Source of Empowerment for Black Youth In Ontario: With a Particular Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) Programs

“…Critical Race Theory first came about in the 1970s and "argues that race … is a socio-historical phenomenon where privilege and opportunities are inequitably bestowed on those who possess a dominant identity" (Matthews, 2020, p. 4). It's relevance to this work cannot be overstated as, unlike other theories that are more general, CRT takes a multifaceted approach in understanding race-based issues (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009). It seeks to understand the dynamic identities, roles, and experiences of Black people (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009).…”

“…It's relevance to this work cannot be overstated as, unlike other theories that are more general, CRT takes a multifaceted approach in understanding race-based issues (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009). It seeks to understand the dynamic identities, roles, and experiences of Black people (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009). CRT maintains that race is a construction of social oppression and is endemic to modern society (Matthews, 2020).…”

“…CRT maintains that race is a construction of social oppression and is endemic to modern society (Matthews, 2020). CRT, in particular, emphasizes the importance of deconstructing the racialized content of policies (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009) and recognizes that racism is prevalent in our society. It expresses skepticism at the neutrality, objectivity, colour blindness and meritocracy of dominant cultures (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009).…”

“…Most importantly, CRT works towards eliminating racial oppression and seeing to its end in society (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009). Within the context of access to postsecondary education for black youth in Ontario, CRT provides the guiding principles and helps explain why black students are alienated and disadvantaged in the Ontario classroom system.…”

“…Designing and delivering culturally relevant one-on-one mentoring and coaching programs can provide increased access to postsecondary education for youth who typically face postsecondary education barriers (Price, 2018). Gasman et al, as quoted in Hinton et al (2009), attributed the underrepresentation of students of colour in STEM graduate programs as resulting from a failure to implement integrated support systems. Other reasons for the continued challenges to STEM access for black youth include limited access to more interactive classrooms and the availability of adequate mentorship resources to support racialized youth (Hinton, Grim, & Howard-Hamilton, 2009).…”