WHY STEM?

Fluency in STEM is better determined by race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic situation than interest in the field alone.

STEM should encourage everyone to be their authentic selves. Instead, 43% of the LGBT STEM workforce is closeted. Every employee in a STEM field should receive equal pay. Instead,  women are awarded almost $16,000 less annually than their male counterparts. Innovation and entrepreneurship should be a platform for all voices to be heard. Instead, just 11% and 7% of the STEM workforce are Black and Latino/a respectively. Socioeconomic status should not affect educational achievement. Instead, over 50% of the performance gap in math is due to unequal access to rigorous content.

All voices should be included in the global STEM discourse. HTF is committed to making tech a safe and equitable space for anybody who wants to innovate and create.