The TEAM-UP report summarizes the findings of 2 year task force of the American Institute of Physics to investigate why blacks are underrepresented in physics, especially at the undergraduate level, and what systematic changes may help to increase their numbers.
“The task force finds that African American students have the same drive, motivation, intellect, and capability to obtain physics and astronomy degrees as students of other races and ethnicities. Many African Americans who might otherwise pursue these fields are choosing majors that are perceived as being more supportive and/or rewarding, resulting in a loss of talent to physics and astronomy.
The briefest summary of the TEAM-UP report is this: the persistent underrepresentation of African Americans in physics and astronomy is due to (1) the lack of a supportive environment for these students in many departments, and (2) to the enormous financial challenges facing them and the programs that have consistently demonstrated the best practices in supporting their success. Solving these problems requires addressing systemic and cultural issues, and creating a large-scale change management framework.”
-From the TEAM UP Report: Systemic Changes to Increase African Americans with Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics and Astronomy
Full text is published here:
https://www.aip.org/sites/default/files/aipcorp/files/teamup-full-report.pdf