The number of African American females participating in cyber fields is significantly low. To increase African American female participation in cybersecurity, STEM education requires a new approach to student engagement. The most common approach to engaging more African American females in STEM is to provide students access to professional images or role models active in STEM; however, this is not enough. More race-centered strategies beyond role modeling are needed to attract and retain African American females in STEM. Research studies show that integrating personal experiences and making cultural connections can help improve student participation in STEM from underrepresented populations. This work uses culturally responsive teaching strategies (CRT) to engage African American female middle school participants in a summer program.
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