Reaching a Tipping Point Transcending Influences Impacting Minority Participation in STEM Charles Britt Founder & President Center for Minority Achievement in Science and Technology (CMAST)

The Power of Context “Human behavior is sensitive to and strongly influenced by its environment” “The Tipping Point” Malcolm Gladwell (2001)

Societal Influences  Fragmented and uncoordinated national educational system  Under-prepared and under-paid teachers  Lack of media coverage on the importance of [STEM] education

Geographical Influences  Inadequate facilities and infrastructure for STEM learning  Minimal number of STEM-oriented companies and institutions  High crime and poverty

Cultural Influences  Lack of stable support structure  Socio-economic challenges  Family and peers more influential than traditional “influencers”

"It's not what you know, it's what you do with what you know.“ - Unknown