DOI

10.5703/1288284317609

Document Type

Poster

Abstract

Research has highlighted how Black and Brown professionals continue to be underrepresented in the various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The lack of exposure to diverse STEM professionals, a challenging and relevant STEM curriculum, and belief in the brilliance of Black and Brown scholars’ abilities to succeed in STEM are vast contributors to the continual diversity underrepresentation in STEM-based classes and careers. Girls STEM Institute (GSI) was founded to create a space where girls of color-who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM-can become exposed to challenging and relevant STEM curricula, which is taught by diverse educators who share similar backgrounds. GSI aims to achieve a sense of community by focusing on interdisciplinary STEM learning experiences while providing opportunities and spaces for scholars to investigate their passion surrounding various STEM content and careers. We even introduce our scholars to diverse STEM professionals so that they can visualize themselves in various STEM careers someday, regardless of what statistics and data claim. This research focuses on how the positive representation, diverse environment, and challenging and relevant STEM exposure that GSI offers are essential to the girls of color that we serve.

Share

COinS
 
Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

Why Representation Matters: Using STEM Education to Promote Opportunity

Research has highlighted how Black and Brown professionals continue to be underrepresented in the various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The lack of exposure to diverse STEM professionals, a challenging and relevant STEM curriculum, and belief in the brilliance of Black and Brown scholars’ abilities to succeed in STEM are vast contributors to the continual diversity underrepresentation in STEM-based classes and careers. Girls STEM Institute (GSI) was founded to create a space where girls of color-who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM-can become exposed to challenging and relevant STEM curricula, which is taught by diverse educators who share similar backgrounds. GSI aims to achieve a sense of community by focusing on interdisciplinary STEM learning experiences while providing opportunities and spaces for scholars to investigate their passion surrounding various STEM content and careers. We even introduce our scholars to diverse STEM professionals so that they can visualize themselves in various STEM careers someday, regardless of what statistics and data claim. This research focuses on how the positive representation, diverse environment, and challenging and relevant STEM exposure that GSI offers are essential to the girls of color that we serve.