2024 News 2024: STEM4Girls cultivates interest in science fields for local students

Workshops and keynote speakers introduce 400+ girls to STEM careers

On October 5, more than 400 girls, families, and community members gathered at UMass Dartmouth to discover their passions for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields at the Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in STEM Education’s annual event. STEM4Girls is a free, inclusive event aimed specifically at girls in grades 3-8 from the Greater New Bedford/Fall River region, designed to foster their interest and engagement in STEM subjects. Keynote speakers and hands-on workshops immerse the attendees in interactive learning.

This year’s keynote speakers were Dr. Yasmin Kafai, Lori and Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor in Learning, Teaching, and Literacies Division at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Greses Pérez, McDonnell Family Assistant Professor in Engineering Education at Tufts University. Kafai and Pérez shared their valuable insights on broadening participation in computational thinking, climate technology, and engineering in STEM.

Dr. Yasmin B. Kafai is a groundbreaking learning scientist designer of online tools and communities to promote coding, crafting, and creativity across grades K–16. She is a key developer behind Scratch, the popular programming tool used by millions of kids to create and share games, animations, and more. Through her work, Kafai empowers students to use computer programming to design everything from video games to electronic textiles. She is the author of several books on how youth use digital media and the connections between playing online, learning programming, and creating games for more constructive and creative participation in networked communities. Her work has earned numerous awards and support from prestigious organizations, including the National Science Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation. Her impact extends to national policy as well, contributing to educational technology plans and gender equity reports aimed at creating more inclusive learning environments.

Dr. Greses Pérez is an engineer, learning scientist, and educator focusing on diversity in STEM field. She helps students from diverse cultures and languages use their knowledge to be innovators and engineers, and to contribute their diverse experience to help solve the world’s challenges. She has won special awards for her work, including a NSF CAREER Award, one of the highest honors for engineers and scientists. 

Faculty and graduate students from UMassD’s College of Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Marine Science & Technology, and STEM Education & Teacher Development department design and develop hands-on activities and workshops for the participants. Simultaneously, teachers from local middle and high schools, as well as faculty from other universities and professionals from STEM-centric organizations, contribute to a rich tapestry of workshop experiences. Working in the classrooms and labs at UMass Dartmouth exposes the students to a real-life academic environment and inspires them to visualize their futures.

Speakers and volunteers at STEM4Girls serve as role models for the program’s participants. It aims to bridge the gender divide in STEM professions by reaching out to girls at a young age, intending to shape their understanding of science and the role of women in these careers. “I loved the speakers and I want to be like them,” said one participant.

Making an impact

Research evidence paints a concerning picture: from 4th to 8th grade, girls’ interest in science and math courses appears to wane, a trend that curtails their pursuit of STEM careers in later years. The US Department of Commerce data for 2015 underscore this concern: while women occupied 47% of all jobs in the country, a mere 24% of them held positions in STEM fields.

Drawing more girls into STEM is a pivotal step towards leveling the playing field in the workforce and ensuring a diversity of perspectives. STEM4Girls is to give girls an introduction to STEM through positive, empowering experiences in environments such as our university campus where they can envision a future.

While imparting knowledge about STEM is crucial, our goal extends beyond, the goal extends to imparting a sense that they have the capacity to succeed in STEM fields, and that there is a place for them in these careers.