Early AI Literacy in Culturally Responsive STEM Outreach for Black Youth
Qusay H. Mahmoud, Kimberly Davis, Paula Duru, Laura Thursby, Hossam Kishawy

TL;DR
This paper explores a culturally responsive STEM outreach program for Black youth in Ontario, integrating AI literacy to enhance engagement, confidence, and awareness in emerging technologies.
Contribution
It presents a practice-based case study of integrating AI literacy into culturally responsive STEM outreach for Black youth, highlighting short-term positive outcomes.
Findings
Gains in AI knowledge among participants
Increased confidence in engaging with AI concepts
Enhanced critical awareness of AI's societal impacts
Abstract
Persistent inequities in STEM education continue to limit the participation of Black youth in science and technology fields across Canada. Structural barriers, underrepresentation, and limited access to culturally affirming learning spaces can restrict both opportunity and confidence in pursuing STEM pathways. This paper examines Ontario Tech University's Engineering Outreach Black Youth Program as an exploratory, practice-based case study of culturally responsive STEM outreach. The program creates inclusive environments where Black youth engage in hands-on, culturally grounded STEM experiences supported by mentorship, representation, and community connection. Its recent integration of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy reflects a growing recognition that early engagement with emerging technologies may expand access to future STEM learning opportunities. The paper discusses how…
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