Women in STEM CRLS
Cambridge & Educational Inequity
With discoveries of new exoplanets, pharmaceutical drugs, and rapid advancement happening in Cambridge, the Public High School still faces the same educational inequities found in under-resourced communities.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, is celebrated as one of the most vibrant and forward-thinking cities globally, This compact city hosts two of the world’s top universities, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); and hosts some of the biggest tech and innovation centers such as the Broad Institute & Whitehead of MIT and Harvard, Google, etc. located just a few miles apart. These prestigious institutions serve as epicenters of learning, research, innovation, and economic growth.
Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) mirror the city’s dedication to education and innovation. With a per-pupil spending of $35,100—the second highest in the state as of November 3, 2022 (according to the Department of Education)—Cambridge invests substantially in its students. This considerable expenditure underscores a strong commitment to delivering high-quality educational resources and opportunities for all students in the district. However, Cambridge Public High School ranks 75th in the Boston, Massachusetts metro area and 98th statewide, with only a 40% college readiness score based on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System for high school students.
Educational outcomes for minority students in Cambridge also highlight troubling disparities. Fewer than 30% of Black and Latinx 9th graders in Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) obtain a post-secondary degree within six years of graduating
(source: Cambridge Community Foundation). These statistics demonstrate that not everyone is benefitting equally from the city’s innovation.
Hear From Students at CRLS
I strongly believe that youth like myself yearn for increased representation and diversity. We recognize the importance of seeing individuals who share our experiences and backgrounds in positions of influence and leadership.
- Lisa Ogiemwonyi CRLS 25'
Despite living in Cambridge my entire life, I often feel like a stranger in familiar surroundings. The renowned institutions and prominent establishments I pass by every day should evoke a sense of belonging, but the absence of people with similar backgrounds and experiences makes it difficult to see myself as an active participant in the opportunities they offer.
- Ashmita Prajapati CRLS 25'
As a black woman, the fact that I don’t see as many people that look like me is discouraging. It raises questions about whether I truly belong or if I should even p'ursue certain paths. For instance, my computer science class only has 1 other girl. I can't help but wonder why there is such a lack of representation.
- Naeema Hassan CRLS 25'
The lack of opportunity has been a significant barrier for me, especially when I consider Kendall Square and the various programs and initiatives that I could have been a part of, but I couldn't access. I feel excluded and saddened by seeing these opportunities being gatekept.
- Labonna Dey CRLS 25'
Connect with Steambridge Mentoring
Join us in empowering high school women in STEM through mentorship and educational resources in Cambridge. Together, we can make a difference.
