Black students are underrepresented in Canadian engineering programs, but a new McMaster University initiative is empowering them to envision a future as an engineer.
Despite progress in recent years, diversity in engineering remains a significant challenge. Black students are still underrepresented in many engineering programs across the country due to barriers like limited representation in media, financial challenges, and other systemic inequities.
That’s why McMaster Engineering introduced its Black Outreach STEM Series (BOSS) in April 2023. By offering culturally relevant programming for Black youth, BOSS helps foster a diverse engineering community. “We make STEM accessible and fun by showing high school students how it’s connected to their everyday lives,” says Jodi-Anne Buckley, Black Recruitment Officer and Career Advisor/ EDI Strategist.
Underrepresentation sparks research and change
McMaster’s Engineering Student Recruitment and Community Outreach team conducted extensive research, consulting with Black students, staff and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to understand the issue in depth.
“We started to brainstorm and understood that maybe there’s a lack of cultural relevancy,” says Sarah Alizerig, Manager, Community Outreach and Engagement. This insight led to the creation of engaging workshops that integrate Black culture into STEM, making it more accessible and exciting for students in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Bridging gaps through hands-on learning
BOSS brings topics like natural hair care and music production into STEM workshops led in part by Black McMaster students to emphasize how engineering can be both relatable and empowering. These connections help Black youth see themselves as future engineers, breaking down barriers. Since its inception, BOSS has connected with more than 5,400 Black youth and been recognized with a national Actua Experience Award.
“The goal is for Black students to see that engineering is relevant to their lives as Black Canadians and to understand how they can make meaningful change in their community and the world at large through engineering,” says Buckley.
At McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering, inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality. With outreach programs designed to engage students from preschool through high school, the Faculty is leading the charge in creating barrier-free access to STEM education.
Learn more about how McMaster is paving the way for future Black engineers at eng.mcmaster.ca.
