Are Boys Being Left Behind?
Recently in a Facebook group of moms I belong to, a friend of mine shared a link to an engineering and science summer camp program for 3rd through 5th grade. I immediately thought this would be a perfect fit for my boys. They love engineering and science, and spend countless hours here at home tinkering on new projects. As soon as I clicked the link, I was disappointed. The program in Atlanta was FEMALE ONLY, while most of the other states offering the program was for both boys and girls. This is a program for African American students. So my African American boys can’t participate in this program that is already created for minorities????
I was highly disappointed to say the least. Increasingly I only see all girl programs, leaving boys behind. What message does that send to me? It makes me think boys aren’t seen as important. Uplifting women and young girls is awesome. I celebrate women who are doing amazing things. I however, want the world to know that my boys are equally as amazing too. I’m not attempting to highlight the Hands Up Don’t Shoot or Black Lives Matter movement. Those are important movements, but I celebrate all boys. I want boys to be highlighted for their brilliance and academic achievements as well as girls.
I attempt to expose my children to as much as I possibly can. This includes a wide variety of academic activities, study on different cultures, travel, food, and people of a different ethnicity than ourselves. However, I would love if they could be apart of an academic program with other boys who enjoy learning just as much as they do. My sons don’t play sports, and really don’t have a lot of interest in them. But their interest is in STEM education. I don’t want my boys to be left behind or labeled in society as only interested in sports or music.
I’m not sure I have the resources or time to create these programs on my own, however I want to raise the point that they need to exist. Boys need to be celebrated as equally as girls.
Do you have sons? Share your thoughts below in the comments.
4 comments
Fatima
March 14, 2016 at 1:14 pmI’m a mother of two boys, and I have to agree with you. There does seem to be a heavy focus on girls these days. And I understand that for years, there were less programs for girls to join than there are today. However, it doesn’t mean we put boys aside. Just as we fight for equal opportunities in the workforce, we should fight for it earlier on… In programs such as these that are for our kids. By doing so, our children understand equality.
Candace
March 14, 2016 at 2:18 pmI’m a mom to an African American boy and have been feeling this pinch for a little while now. There’s been a huge push for girls, and I love it, while all the while excluding our boys for the very same opportunities pushing them to athletic roles. I’ve been reaching out to educators I personally know to supplement but I’m with you and hope that there’s a turn around soon.
Lyne A
March 14, 2016 at 2:23 pmIt is an increasing problem, while trying to fix one problem we create more. It been awesome trying to push girls to be more involved in STEM education but they don’t realise the push is so one way that it’s leaving the little boys behind. I saw the issue raised in a kid TV show that was my thought too. It’s a good convo to have, cause I don’t think they realize that the new solution is actually creating a new problem
Nate B.
April 20, 2017 at 9:54 amI’m a 17 year old white boy who’s a senior in high school. I’ve noticed that there’s been a huge increase in programs in science, math, and leadership roles for girls. Which is great! That’s affirmative action at it’s finest, but I feel left out. I always see these posters around school that read “Free Science (Or math or whatever) program,” And I think oh cool I wanna do this! Then I see it. In black and white for everyone to see. GIRLS ONLY. That hurts. I feel like the education system is ignoring boys and favoring girls. Illiteracy levels in boys have dropped since more girl programs have been formed.