Rebecca Koenig Interim Senior Editorial Director | EdSurge Research
In Philadelphia, a summer pilot program is working to address the underrepresentation of Black girls in math and science. The initiative, run by the nonprofit Black Girls Love Math (BGLM), aims to foster both academic skills and a sense of belonging among middle school students.
The week-long camp took place at CIC Philadelphia, a coworking space known for its science labs and bioscience startups. Five rising sixth and seventh graders participated in the sessions, which sought not only to keep students engaged with math during the summer but also to address gender and racial disparities in STEM fields.
Research has shown that while boys and girls start school with similar math abilities, gaps in performance often widen as they progress through elementary school. In the United States, recent national assessments have revealed persistent differences between boys' and girls' math scores in fourth and eighth grades. These trends are reflected in higher numbers of men earning college credentials in math-intensive subjects.
Some organizations are working to counteract these patterns. Girls Who Code, for example, offers summer programs to encourage women’s participation in computer science careers. BGLM takes inspiration from initiatives like the Algebra Project and Barack Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, promoting math as a "superpower" for young Black girls.
"We like to think about the ‘M’ specifically in STEM," said Atiyah Harmon, founder of Black Girls Love Math and a longtime Philadelphia schoolteacher.
Harmon observed that enthusiasm for math among her female students often declined between sixth and eighth grade. To combat this trend, she launched BGLM in 2020 following the George Floyd protests. Supported by a $125,000 grant from Pennsylvania, BGLM operates after-school programs across several Mid-Atlantic cities—including Philadelphia; Camden, New Jersey; Brooklyn, New York; and Wilmington, Delaware—serving more than 250 students each year. Program fees vary based on location but typically range from $75 to $500 per month; scholarships are available.
The summer camp focused on enrichment rather than remediation. Activities included affirmations designed to build confidence ("I am brilliant... I am a beautiful Black girl, and I love math"), hands-on exercises using digital platforms like Kai XR, lessons on Khan Academy, campus tours at local universities, and opportunities for civic engagement such as visiting state representatives.
“We want them to see themselves as math people,” Harmon explained. She emphasized that building self-perception is as important as practicing problem-solving skills: “We like to flip that.”
Last year BGLM also introduced its approach into schools through professional development sessions for teachers. The model centers on flexible number routines, collaborative problem-solving activities, and affirmations aimed at fostering community building.
For many families involved with BGLM’s programs—including those who attend regular Sunday gatherings in Brooklyn—the sense of community is key. One parent noted that her daughter’s interest in math was sustained by being surrounded by peers and teachers who shared her background: “She's in community with girls that look like her... really thinking about alignment around what their interests are.”
According to Harmon, participants demonstrate increased perseverance over time—a sign she believes points toward lasting impact both academically and socially.
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