Who Lives in a STEM Desert? Research Brief

This brief examines where STEM deserts were located within Houston Independent School District (HISD) boundaries and the students most likely to live in a STEM desert. STEM deserts are areas in which students have more limited access to STEM endorsement paths or STEM course offerings. The analyses showed STEM deserts were more common in the southern and eastern parts of HISD and less common in the northern and western parts of the district. Students in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods were more likely to live in a STEM desert than students in higher socioeconomic neighborhoods. Black students were also more likely than White students to live in a STEM desert. The findings suggest areas in which the district may target resources or interventions to increase STEM offerings.