Building STEM Self-Concept in the Classroom

The issue of gender equity in STEM is multifaceted and encompasses various factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of women and racial minorities in STEM fields. One significant aspect is the discrepancy in the choice of STEM majors in college. Statistics consistently show that women and racial minorities opt for STEM majors less frequently compared to men and white students. This disparity in major selection has long-lasting implications for educational and career trajectories.

One critical element that influences STEM participation is STEM self-concept. How individuals perceive themselves in relation to STEM subjects, such as identifying themselves as a "math person" or a "science person," plays a crucial role in their decision to pursue STEM fields. Unfortunately, women and racial minorities often face barriers in developing a strong STEM self-concept due to the underrepresentation they encounter in these fields. Algorithmic oppression perpetuates this problem by creating systems that fail to provide representation and visibility to certain students in their desired majors or careers. Additionally, gender and racial stereotypes further restrict self-concept development and hinder a sense of belonging in STEM environments.

However, there are strategies to address these challenges and promote gender equity in STEM. Positive role-modeling, support systems, and representational diversity have been shown to improve STEM self-concept and foster a greater sense of belonging for underrepresented individuals. When students see individuals who look like them and share similar backgrounds succeeding in STEM, it positively impacts their own aspirations and confidence.

It is important to note that STEM self-concept and sense of belonging begin in early childhood. Creating inclusive learning environments from an early age is crucial for nurturing children's interest and confidence in STEM subjects. By fostering positive self-concept and a sense of belonging in STEM from the early years, we can pave the way for greater diversity and equity in STEM fields. In summary, addressing the issue of gender equity in STEM requires recognizing the complex interplay between STEM self-concept, representation, and a sense of belonging. By implementing strategies that promote positive role-modeling, support systems, and representational diversity, we can empower women, and racial minorities to pursue and thrive in STEM fields, ultimately achieving greater gender equity and inclusivity.

At First Book, we recognize the importance of addressing the issue of gender equity in STEM education. To further our understanding of this topic, we are conducting a comprehensive study that combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. This study aims to investigate the impact of providing greater representational diversity in the classroom, specifically through the provision of diverse books on STEM topics.

By analyzing data from this longitudinal survey and conducting in-depth interviews with educators and students, we aim to uncover valuable insights. We will examine how the inclusion of diverse books featuring characters from different backgrounds and identities influences students' self-concept and sense of belonging in relation to STEM subjects.

Through the survey, we will gather quantitative data that will help us identify trends and patterns regarding student engagement and self-identification in STEM. This data will be complemented by qualitative interviews, where educators will share their perceptions of how diverse books affect student engagement and interest in STEM. Additionally, students themselves will have the opportunity to express how exposure to diverse STEM books impacts their own self-concept and sense of belonging in the field. Leveraging the knowledge gained from this study, First Book will be better equipped to support educators in their efforts to engage students in STEM concepts and promote a positive STEM self-concept. We believe that by providing educators with the necessary resources and insights, we can empower them to create inclusive and engaging learning environments that foster a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of their gender or background.

Through our research, we hope to contribute to the greater body of knowledge surrounding gender equity in STEM education and provide actionable recommendations for educators and schools. By promoting the use of diverse books and incorporating representational diversity in the classroom, we believe we can help inspire and empower students to pursue STEM fields and foster a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.

First Book believes education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty for children in need. We address the holistic needs of the whole child, including education, basic needs, and wellness, recognizing their importance in achieving educational equity. Serving a diverse range of students aged 1 to 18, our distribution of books and resources varies across supported educators and programs.

On average, we distribute about 18 million books and resources annually, reaching an estimated 5 million students. Some students receive multiple books, while others are able to access books from their classroom libraries. We prioritize inclusivity by offering free membership to the First Book Community for educators, caregivers, and providers in Title 1 eligible schools, early childhood or out-of-school-time programs, shelters, clinics, and organizations serving at least 70% low-income children. We aim to foster a nurturing environment that supports educational success and cultivates a lifelong love of learning.

Children are riddled with curiosity from a young age. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) spark an interest that creates a lasting effect and inspire them to dive further into a lifetime of discovery. Kids learn better when they feel seen and supported. At First Book, our focus is on making all kids feel welcome by giving students new and exciting ways to think about their talents, interests, and future careers.

We know that STEM fields are exciting, fast-paced, and critical for all 21st century learners to explore. That is one reason why we, in partnership with Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), created a diversity in STEM calendar during the 2020-2021 year, this free tool was designed to help educators bring amazing moments of innovation to life and showcase the incredible contributions of diverse STEM pioneers with the kids across the country. Celebrating people from marginalized communities – whose ingenuity, perseverance and talents are not always known, but whose impact has been meaningful and transformative – is critical to the success of our increasingly diverse student population and society.

First Book brings a unique advantage to deliver this research-based solution due to its extensive network of educators. This network allows us to document and gain a deep understanding of what is happening on the ground in schools and organizations across the country. By actively engaging with educators, we can amplify their voices and create a platform for them to share their experiences and challenges. This collaborative approach enables us to connect educators who are facing similar obstacles and facilitate a meaningful exchange of ideas and solutions.

One of the key strengths of First Book's network access is the ability to conduct important classroom research that may be limited by the cost and time constraints typically associated with traditional academic settings. While a research group may have limited familiarity with their local school, First Book has a nationwide presence and an extensive network of educators readily available. This broad reach allows us to gather diverse perspectives from various schools and classrooms, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the education landscape.

By leveraging our network, First Book is well-positioned to conduct research that reflects the realities and needs of educators and students. This grassroots approach ensures that our solutions are informed by the on-the-ground experiences of educators and are practical and relevant to their specific contexts. We are committed to translating research findings into actionable strategies that can be readily implemented in classrooms, making a tangible impact on student engagement, and learning outcomes. Moreover, by addressing contemporary negotiations over diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 institutions, we aim to bring about systemic change. The partnership with Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures can help us navigate legal complexities and provide the necessary resources and expertise to advance our mission of promoting equity in education. We recognize that market barriers exist in terms of the availability and affordability of diverse resources for educators. Through our relationships with publishers, we can provide diverse books to classroom libraries at a significantly reduced cost.

Overall, First Book's unique position as a trusted partner of educators nationwide, coupled with our research capabilities, enables us to bridge the gap between research and practice. Through our network-driven approach, we can effectively address the challenges faced by educators and develop evidence-based solutions that contribute to positive change in the field of education.

Overall on average, First Book serves an estimated 5 million children annually on average. 

First Book is applying to the challenge because we recognize the cultural significance of gender equity in STEM fields for both educators and young students. We believe that increased representation of diverse identities in STEM is essential to creating an inclusive learning environment. Our proposed study breaks new ground by treating classroom-based interventions as scalable, best-practice solutions that leverage educator autonomy and prioritize culturally relevant pedagogy. However, we face various barriers in our pursuit of this research, and we believe that Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures can help us overcome them.

Specifically, we encounter financial barriers in conducting large-scale research involving diverse classrooms across the country. The support of Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures can provide the necessary financial resources to carry out the study on a broader scale, reaching a nationally representative sample of educators and students. This funding would enable us to collect comprehensive data and identify universal practices that foster educational environments conducive to the academic success of historically marginalized students.

Additionally, we face technical challenges in accessing classrooms, educators, and students for research purposes. Our unique position as a nonprofit social enterprise with longstanding relationships with over 550,000 educators serving low-income and racially diverse students allows us to bridge this gap. With the support of Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures, we can further strengthen these relationships and expand our network, ensuring access to classrooms that would otherwise be inaccessible to researchers confined to academic institutions. It can also help us leverage these partnerships and expand our reach, ensuring that educators have access to the materials they need to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.

First Book seeks support to conduct research on a larger scale, access diverse classrooms, navigate legal complexities, and provide affordable resources to educators. By addressing these challenges, we aim to advance the understanding of inclusion in K-12 institutions and empower educators to create educational environments that celebrate diversity and cater to the unique needs of all students.

In the late 1980s, Kyle Zimmer, a practicing attorney at the time, dedicated her time to volunteering at a soup kitchen in Washington, D.C. It was during this experience that she realized the children she was working with lacked access to books in their lives. Motivated by this observation, Kyle joined forces with two friends to develop a market-driven solution that would ensure every child has the opportunity to access high-quality books and educational resources.

This initiative gave rise to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise co-founded by Kyle in 1992. Over the years, First Book has emerged as a prominent advocate for equal access to quality education. At the heart of their work is the First Book Network, the largest and fastest-growing network of schools and programs serving children living in poverty across the United States and Canada. It is through the collaboration and dedication of educators in this network that First Book drives its mission forward.

Under Kyle's leadership, First Book has evolved into a family of social enterprises, each addressing a unique range of educational barriers faced by children in need. By leveraging the collective voice, purchasing power, and needs of educators serving low-income communities, First Book acts as a powerful market force, reducing costs and expanding access to a diverse array of high-quality educational resources. Kyle pioneered First Book's sustainable nonprofit e-commerce model, which provides educators with free and affordable new books, educational resources, and basic needs items that are both diverse and inclusive.

Additionally, Kyle has fostered the organization's capacity to conduct original research alongside educators on the front lines, ensuring their valuable insights shape the development of actionable resources. Through strategic cross-sector partnerships, First Book has also been able to deliver targeted funding solutions, further amplifying their impact. Together, these models operate synergistically, driving systemic change and promoting educational equity for children living in poverty.

Since its inception, First Book has distributed over 225 million books and educational resources, with an astounding cumulative value exceeding $2 billion. These remarkable achievements stand as a testament to Kyle Zimmer's vision, unwavering commitment, and innovative approaches in advancing educational equality.

RFP Search Engine, Instrumentl

Our solution is innovative in several ways. First, it approaches the problem of gender equity in STEM by focusing on the role of classroom libraries and the availability of diverse books. While previous studies have looked at small-scale interventions, this solution takes a large-scale approach by involving a nationally representative sample of educators from First Book's extensive network. This allows for a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to creating inclusive classroom libraries.

The solution also takes a multi-stage design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the issues and allows for a deeper exploration of the experiences and perspectives of educators. By incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, the solution offers more robust findings and insights.

One of the key innovations is the involvement of First Book's network of educators. By leveraging the network, the solution can reach a large and diverse group of teachers who serve students in low-income communities. This not only ensures the research has a direct impact on those who need it the most but also fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators facing similar challenges. The solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts by creating a platform for educators to exchange best practices, learn from each other's experiences, and collectively drive change in their classrooms and schools.

In terms of market impact, this solution could change the landscape of educational resources and materials. By highlighting the importance of diverse books and their impact on student engagement and self-concept in STEM, it could lead to increased demand for such resources in the market. Publishers and content creators may be encouraged to produce more diverse and inclusive STEM materials, thereby expanding the options available to educators and students. Additionally, the research findings and recommendations could inform policy discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equity in STEM education.

Overall, this solution brings a fresh perspective to the issue of gender equity in STEM by focusing on classroom libraries and providing a physical asset that visibly influences children impacted by this work. It has the potential to spark collaboration, drive positive change in educational practices, and influence the market by promoting the importance of diverse resources and inclusive learning environments.

With the funding provided by Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures grant, the projected impact goals for the next 1-5 years are truly transformative:

• Serving 150 classrooms: This funding will enable First Book to expand its reach and support 150 classrooms across various communities.
• Reaching 4500 students: Through the implementation of our solution, First Book aims to directly impact the lives of 4500 students. These students, who may have previously lacked access to quality educational resources, will now have the opportunity to engage with diverse books and materials that foster their learning and curiosity on STEM related topics.
• Furnishing 3 reports on STEM self-concept: One of the key outcomes of this effort will be the generation of three comprehensive reports. These reports will be backed by evidence and data, shedding light on the impact of STEM education on students' self-concept. The insights gained from these reports will inform future strategies and interventions to enhance students' confidence and interest in STEM fields.
• Drawing from educator best practices with 1 First Book Accelerator Resource: First Book recognizes the importance of sharing best practices with educators. With the funding support, we will develop a First Book Accelerator Resource, drawing upon the valuable expertise and experiences of educators. This resource will serve as a practical guide, providing evidence-based strategies and approaches to enhance STEM education and promote positive outcomes for students.

Beyond the immediate impact, this effort holds a crucial significance. It represents a replicable and scalable solution for First Book, addressing a critical gap in the education landscape. Often, valuable research in education never reaches the hands of educators, hindering the adoption of evidence-based strategies. By ensuring that current, research-backed approaches are accessible to educators and the students who can benefit from them, First Book's initiative is poised to create lasting change and advance educational outcomes for countless children.

The collaboration between Solve, Tiger Global Impact Ventures, and First Book amplifies the potential to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that educational strategies rooted in evidence are effectively implemented and reach those who need them the most. Together, we can further pioneer a model that can be replicated and scaled, empowering educators, and transforming the lives of children across communities.

First Book employs robust measures to track progress towards our impact goals. We utilize various reporting mechanisms to provide comprehensive insights:

• Student Impact Report: This report captures changes in student self-concept and sense of belonging throughout the academic year. By assessing key indicators, we gauge the effectiveness of our interventions in fostering positive growth and enhancing students' confidence and connection within STEM fields.
• Educator Feedback Report: We value educators' perspectives and insights. Through this report, we gather their valuable input, including suggestions on improving STEM self-concept and fostering a sense of belonging among their students. This feedback helps us refine our strategies and better support educators in their crucial role.
• Potential Accelerator Resource: Drawing upon the best practices shared by educators, we develop a potential Accelerator resource. This resource is designed to assist fellow educators in navigating the complexities of STEM self-concept and promoting a sense of belonging. By sharing evidence-based strategies and practical guidance, we empower educators to create nurturing classroom environments.
• Research Manuscript: We are committed to contributing to the field of education through rigorous research. Our research manuscript, titled "Nurturing STEM Sense of Belonging: Evidence from Classroom Interventions," presents the findings and insights from our interventions. This manuscript serves as a valuable resource for the broader education community, shedding light on effective approaches to promote STEM self-concept and a sense of belonging.

By employing these comprehensive measures, First Book ensures that our impact goals are not only clearly defined but also rigorously assessed. These reports and resources reflect our commitment to evidence-based practices, continuous improvement, and sharing knowledge within the education landscape.

In simple terms, this research-based solution will have a significant impact on gender equity in STEM because it aims to understand and address the challenges faced by educators in creating inclusive and diverse classroom libraries.

The study consists of two main parts: a big survey with many teachers and interviews with a smaller group of teachers. The researchers will collect data from a diverse group of teachers across the country who are part of First Book's network, which includes over 550,000 educators. They will look at different types of schools, including those with mostly minority students, rural schools, and schools with limited access to books.

By gathering this information, the researchers will gain a better understanding of how teachers build and use their classroom libraries. This will help answer important questions about how to make the libraries more effective in supporting students in STEM subjects. The study will also explore the challenges that teachers face in implementing best practices and creating inclusive learning environments.

Utilizing this multi-stage design, researchers will gather in-depth insights that can inform educational policies and practices. The findings will contribute to creating student-centered classrooms and promoting culturally responsive teaching approaches. Ultimately, the research will help improve gender equity in STEM by providing valuable guidance to educators and policymakers on how to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.

Our solution is not a tech-based effort. 

Our solution team comprises 88 individuals who bring their expertise to drive our mission forward. While our research team consists of two members focused on conducting in-depth investigations, the success of our efforts extends far beyond them. Our solution encompasses a collaborative effort involving various departments within First Book.

We have skilled professionals in logistics, merchandising, member services, e-commerce, IT support, marketing, and operations. This diverse team enables us to apply proven strategies from the private sector to our work as a social enterprise. We create a powerful ecosystem of models that work synergistically to make a lasting impact.

First Book has been testing this model for about a year thus far. 

This project serves as a vital bridge between intervention research and direct implementation in K-12 education. It provides classrooms with diverse books, carefully selected by educators and students, while also fostering ongoing discussions on diverse books, classroom diversity, equity, inclusion efforts, and student achievement. These interconnected topics play a crucial role in educational environments. How institutions and individuals navigate the challenge of diversifying and supplementing standardized curricula, particularly at the classroom level, directly impacts both students and educators.

What sets this study apart is its innovative approach of treating classroom-based interventions as scalable, best-practice solutions. It recognizes the importance of educator autonomy and emphasizes culturally relevant pedagogy, reaching a breadth and depth that is often challenging to achieve with traditional classroom intervention research. The project confronts the contemporary negotiations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, addressing the tangible resources and actions required to bring these ideals to life in the classroom. 

This endeavor signifies a high-stakes tension between acknowledging centuries of educational inequities and the willingness and ability of educational institutions to address them. The outcomes have profound implications for historically marginalized students, as well as the educators and administrators dedicated to their success. By navigating these complexities and promoting actionable change, this project aims to transform educational experiences and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

First Book is a non-profit organization with a clear purpose: to ensure equal access to quality education for all children. Our mission revolves around empowering educators and serving the needs of children who are lacking resources. What sets First Book us apart through our business model, is our approach as a social enterprise, utilizing proven business strategies to drive their work and create a lasting impact.

A key component to our business model is the distribution of free or low-cost new books. Since 1992, we have successfully distributed an estimated 225 million books, which have a retail value of approximately $2 billion. Signifying the commitment to providing essential reading materials to children who may otherwise lack access to books. The distribution effort is ongoing, with an average of 17 to 18 million books being distributed annually.

First Book has built a robust network of members that continues to grow steadily. Each week, several hundred new members join the network, representing various professions and backgrounds. These members include traditional teachers, afterschool program leaders, homeless shelter workers, doctors, social workers, librarians, and more. By bringing together professionals from diverse fields, First Book ensures that the impact reaches children in need through various channels and institutions. Our business success lies not only in our commitment to providing books but also in our innovative and collective approach. We employ a range of models and strategies that work both individually and collectively, creating a synergistic effect to maximize impact. By combining the power of traditional education systems, community programs, healthcare networks, and social services, we address the multifaceted educational needs of underserved children.

This initiative represents an expansion of First Book's core program, which is dedicated to providing essential resources to communities in need across the United States and Canada. With the generous support of this grant, First Book would be able to more specifically promote gender equity in STEM education within underserved communities.

A notable example of First Book's sustainability is with Pizza Hut through our 10-year partnership campaign, "Pizza Hut: The Literacy Project." This initiative is designed to enhance access to reading materials, empower teachers with greater resources, and foster a lifelong love for reading. When friends, families, and co-workers dine at Pizza Hut or order online, they have the opportunity to make a donation to First Book, which will directly provide books for children in need.

The funds raised from each Pizza Hut location are allocated to local educators, enabling them to purchase books and resources from the First Book Marketplace. By combining global outreach with a localized approach, the campaign maximizes its impact within communities. While First Book is committed to providing this service consistently, having the financial support to deliver targeted impact in initiatives like these can make a significant difference in advancing their mission.

First Book is currently able to generate about 45-48% self-sustainability through its innovative revenue generating model entitled the Marketplace. It is an eCommerce bookstore that provides free and low-cost books and resources exclusively to programs serving children in need. This model allows First Book to access/purchase books and resources from publishers and manufacturers at significantly discounted rates. The publishers are willing to do so because they recognize that First Book opens a market, they have not been able to tap because most publishers traditionally focus on the upper third of the economic pyramid.

First Book passes the discounts gained through volume purchasing onto groups serving children in need with a small mission margin included. This helps to support the general operation of the organization to about 45-48%. Scaling of the organization will help reach more children in underserved communities, and the byproduct of that will increase the percentage of sustainability achieved. First Book currently partners with every major. Funding opportunities like the ones provided by MIT will allow us to continue our growth, which will help lead us down the path to 100% self-sustainability.