On the new episode of the Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie podcast, Special Guest Jackie Smalls, Chief Programs Officer at Code.org, talks about the racial divide in STEM education and technology. She says the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the gap between STEM learning in White communities versus more limited opportunities in many predominantly Black & Brown schools across the country. “In terms of the gaps, we knew gaps existed, but I think the pandemic just really exposed how big those gaps were and who actually has access,” Jackie tells host Dr. Calvin Mackie. “And it's a shame. We shouldn't have to park a bus in a neighborhood to make sure that all students have access to WIFI. It baffles me how we think that this is not something that should be free and accessible to everyone.”

Jackie is the Chief Programs Officer, managing Code.org’s curriculum, professional learning programs, and its nationwide network of regional partners & facilitators to expand computer science opportunities in schools. She worked in large and diverse school systems as an experienced teacher, science curriculum writer, and STEM Administrator. Jackie held various leadership roles with Discovery Education, a K-12 Digital curriculum resources provider, running national professional learning programming and education partnerships impacting tens of thousands of teachers and students. Combining her passion for education and STEM she was the head of programs at Black Girls Code with the oversight of (14) City Chapters Workshops, Enrichments, Summer Camp Programming and Strategic Partnerships impacting thousands of girls of color.

In the conversation with Dr. Mackie, the topics include what it takes to overcome racial barriers to excelling in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields; why it’s critical for Black & Brown students to have access to STEM learning; and the important role that mentors play in encouraging STEM careers. Calling out technology companies, Jackie says if they want to make a difference in our society, they should be providing Wi-Fi everywhere.

Jackie knows racial barriers are real. “I had a student tell me that she walked into a college computer science class, a Black girl…The professor, came to her and said, ‘Are you in the right class?’“  At code.org, “we are trying to make sure computer science is accessible for all students,” says Jackie. The nonprofit is dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and students from under-resourced communities.

“You’re teaching a society,” lauds Dr. Mackie, who leads STEM Global Action. “I believe you have a voice that every mother and every father need to hear because it's credible, it's transparent and it's authentic.”

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Dr. Calvin Mackie founded STEM NOLA in 2013. The New Orleans non-profit is committed to expanding STEM education, especially in communities of color. In July 2021, Dr. Mackie launched STEM Global Action, a campaign and network pursuing STEM education for children, parents and communities. His initiatives have impacted more than 100,000 students, 20,000 families and 5,000 schools across the U.S., and in five countries. An archive of Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie episodes on YouTube is HERE.