Seeds of Success: Empowering Latina STEM Girl Ambassadors through Role Models, Leadership, and STEM-Related Experiences
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| Title: | Seeds of Success: Empowering Latina STEM Girl Ambassadors through Role Models, Leadership, and STEM-Related Experiences |
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| Authors: | Liz Hernández-Matías, Greetchen Díaz-Muñoz, Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Source: | Journal of STEM Outreach. 2023 6(2). |
| Availability: | Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Contract Number: | R25GM146264 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Junior High Schools Middle Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Sex Stereotypes, STEM Education, Middle School Students, Females, Nonschool Educational Programs, Student Attitudes, Self Concept, STEM Careers, Gender Bias, Science Achievement, Disproportionate Representation, Disadvantaged, Mentors, Student Empowerment, Student Experience |
| Geographic Terms: | Puerto Rico |
| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
| Abstract: | Gender stereotypes and lack of access to relatable role models, mentors, and STEM opportunities have been suggested to deter middle school girls and students from underrepresented backgrounds away from STEM. Seeds of Success, an out-of-school program, is designed to inspire girls to consider STEM careers by countering gender stereotypes through relatable role models, promoting STEM confidence through STEM workshops and hands-on activities, and encouraging alignment between cultural and STEM identities through community-based STEM projects that develop leadership skills. Since 2015, the program has impacted 453 students who in turn have reached more than 42,777 people in Puerto Rico through their STEM Ambassadors projects. A robust mix-method evaluation of the 2020 and 2021 cohorts demonstrates significant improvements in participants' STEM attitudes and science identity, as well as in their self-perception as a leader, confidence in their ability to succeed in science, knowledge about STEM careers and opportunities, and access to STEM role models. Moreover, 95% of participants intend to continue participating in STEM activities after the program and overall scores for the entire survey were significantly higher after the program than before. We discuss lessons learned for other programs seeking to empower girls from historically underserved backgrounds in STEM. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1407489 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Gender stereotypes and lack of access to relatable role models, mentors, and STEM opportunities have been suggested to deter middle school girls and students from underrepresented backgrounds away from STEM. Seeds of Success, an out-of-school program, is designed to inspire girls to consider STEM careers by countering gender stereotypes through relatable role models, promoting STEM confidence through STEM workshops and hands-on activities, and encouraging alignment between cultural and STEM identities through community-based STEM projects that develop leadership skills. Since 2015, the program has impacted 453 students who in turn have reached more than 42,777 people in Puerto Rico through their STEM Ambassadors projects. A robust mix-method evaluation of the 2020 and 2021 cohorts demonstrates significant improvements in participants' STEM attitudes and science identity, as well as in their self-perception as a leader, confidence in their ability to succeed in science, knowledge about STEM careers and opportunities, and access to STEM role models. Moreover, 95% of participants intend to continue participating in STEM activities after the program and overall scores for the entire survey were significantly higher after the program than before. We discuss lessons learned for other programs seeking to empower girls from historically underserved backgrounds in STEM. |
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| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
