Equity in higher education is not just about access; it is about outcomes. For Black students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Science (STEM) at The Open University, persistent gaps in retention and progression reveal that structural barriers to more equitable outcomes remain. Closing these gaps requires more than academic support. It demands a cultural shift that develops a sense of belonging and mattering. In this article, you will find insights into why belonging and mattering are important aspects that help Black students succeed in higher education at a distance.

Creating belonging is especially difficult in distance learning. Unlike campus-based education, where students naturally encounter peers and staff in shared spaces, online learners often remain invisible. Research at The Open University shows that many Black STEM students experience isolation and a lack of connection to their academic community (Awan, 2025; MacBrayne et al., 2025). This is not a minor issue; it directly impacts confidence, engagement, and success. When students feel invisible or excluded from informal networks, their ability to thrive is compromised. If opportunities for spontaneous conversations, peer support, and informal networking are limited, the perceived isolation can be amplified for Black students. Without intentional interventions, the sense of being part of a community – and of mattering within that community – can remain elusive.

The STEM Black Student Communities project, launched in 2024, set out to address this challenge. At its heart is the Black STEM Hub, a space created by and for Black STEM students to learn, connect, share experiences, and build supportive networks. Through recorded monthly online sessions that covered themes of Imposter syndrome, Employability, Financial literacy, and Black History, the Black STEM Hub is a growing bank of resources, and through dedicated WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups the Hub is becoming a centre for visibility, community, dialogue and empowerment.

Why do belonging and mattering have so much importance? Belonging means feeling part of a community; mattering means knowing that your presence and contributions are valued. Together, they create the conditions for persistence and achievement. When students feel they belong and matter, they are more likely to engage deeply, seek help when needed, and overcome challenges. This year’s initiative demonstrated that principle in action: two virtual interns led the Hub’s activities, growing in confidence and leadership while shaping events that resonated with their peers. Their journey illustrates the transformative power of community.

Watch the video with the reflections on the Interns’ journey to lead the Black STEM Hub.

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Feedback from participants reinforces this link between belonging, persistence and achievement. Students who engaged with the Hub reported feeling more connected to staff and peers, and more optimistic about their academic and career prospects. While attendance numbers were modest, the quality of engagement was high, which is proof that meaningful relationships matter more than metrics. Of course, building belonging and mattering is not without challenges. Participation needs to grow, and informal spaces like WhatsApp require careful moderation. But the lessons are clear: face-to-face events increase impact, collaboration across faculties strengthens networks, and student leadership deepens authenticity.

The long-term vision is ambitious yet essential: to create a culture where all Open University Black STEM students feel they can belong and matter. This means embedding community as a core element of the student experience, recognising intersectional needs, and sustaining culture building initiatives while we modernise the avenues to amplify our message. 

In 2026, as the Black STEM Hub continues its regular monthly online sessions led by two new virtual intern convenors, it will broaden engagement opportunities, introduce more short-form content and embed skill-building activities, such as LinkedIn workshops, into the core of its community initiatives.