STEMployed STEM Learning Kit

The Problem

One significant obstacle to achieving gender equality in STEM is the unequal distribution of resources. Various factors, such as income level, race, and geographic location, contribute to this disparity. Research indicates that girls from low-income families are half as likely as their high-income counterparts to have access to a computer at home, as highlighted in a 2018 report by the National Center for Women & Information Technology. Furthermore, girls from low-income backgrounds face limited opportunities to engage in STEM programs, including after-school clubs and summer camps.

Similarly, girls of color, particularly Latina and Black girls, encounter significant barriers to accessing STEM-related resources, mentors, and courses during their high school and college years, as emphasized in a 2019 report by the American Association of University Women. Additionally, girls residing in rural areas have restricted access to essential STEM resources, such as computers, software, and mentors, and are less likely to pursue STEM courses, as outlined in a 2017 report by the National Science Board.

To address these disparities, targeted efforts are needed to ensure equitable access to STEM education and resources for all girls. This includes providing financial support, increasing opportunities for mentorship and networking, expanding access to technology and infrastructure, and promoting STEM engagement through tailored programs. By eliminating barriers and fostering an inclusive environment, we can empower girls from all backgrounds to pursue STEM education and careers, driving progress towards gender equality and benefiting society as a whole.

Our Solution

STEMployed is a STEM mentoring  kit to foster STEM diversity and drive Innovation. It seeks to empower girls to venture into STEM and pursue STEM career paths through hands-on activities and mentorship all in a kit
The STEM Learning Kit is a comprehensive educational resource designed to engage and empower girls in the world of STEM. It includes an A-Z flashcard deck showcasing a diverse range of STEM careers, allowing girls to explore various professional pathways. The accompanying activity book offers hands-on projects and experiments, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the STEM coloring book encourages creativity while reinforcing STEM concepts.
Taking a game-based approach, the kit features hiring games that introduce girls to the process of job recruitment, challenging them to make informed decisions and learn about different STEM professions. This gamified experience promotes an understanding of the skills and qualifications required for various careers, promoting early interest and awareness.
Moreover, the kit includes virtual reality glasses, enabling girls to embark on immersive virtual tours of real-world STEM workplaces. This feature provides unique insights into STEM industries, allowing girls to experience different work environments and foster aspirations for their future careers.
Overall, the STEM Learning Kit combines interactive elements, informative resources, and virtual experiences to cultivate a passion for STEM among girls. By encouraging exploration, hands-on learning, and exposure to diverse STEM careers, the kit aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and inspire the next generation of innovative female leaders.

The STEM Learning Kit is a comprehensive educational resource designed to engage and empower girls in the world of STEM. It includes an A-Z flashcard deck showcasing a diverse range of STEM careers, allowing girls to explore various professional pathways. The accompanying activity book offers hands-on projects and experiments, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the STEM coloring book encourages creativity while reinforcing STEM concepts.

Taking a game-based approach, the kit features hiring games that introduce girls to the process of job recruitment, challenging them to make informed decisions and learn about different STEM professions. This gamified experience promotes an understanding of the skills and qualifications required for various careers, promoting early interest and awareness.

Moreover, the kit includes virtual reality glasses, enabling girls to embark on immersive virtual tours of real-world STEM workplaces. This feature provides unique insights into STEM industries, allowing girls to experience different work environments and foster aspirations for their future careers.

Overall, the STEM Learning Kit combines interactive elements, informative resources, and virtual experiences to cultivate a passion for STEM among girls. By encouraging exploration, hands-on learning, and exposure to diverse STEM careers, the kit aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and inspire the next generation of innovative female leaders.

The Stemployed idea has the potential to make a significant impact on K-12 students in Cincinnati. By increasing awareness of diverse STEM careers, providing hands-on learning experiences, promoting diversity, and offering immersive virtual tours, we aim to inspire and empower students in their STEM education and career paths. Through a comprehensive A-Z flashcard deck, an activity book with hands-on projects, hiring games, and virtual reality glasses, we can engage students, foster critical thinking skills, and spark interest in STEM. Our focus on diversity aims to break down barriers and encourage equitable representation of underrepresented groups in STEM. Ultimately, our goal is to equip the next generation of STEM professionals with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to succeed in the field.

As graduate students in STEM, our team possesses the expertise, research skills, and networks needed to excel in the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge. We have a deep understanding of STEM disciplines and can develop innovative solutions for promoting gender equity. Our research skills enable us to analyze existing literature and contribute to the field's knowledge base. We have access to academic resources and networks that provide support and potential partnerships. Our commitment to lifelong learning ensures we stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices. As part of the next generation of STEM professionals, we bring a fresh perspective and empathy to address the challenges faced by women in STEM. Overall, our team's background positions us well for the challenge, allowing us to develop effective strategies and make a meaningful impact in promoting gender equity in STEM.

In the context of the "Stemployed" idea we  mentioned, having the flashcards and coloring book in a digital format represents a tangible manifestation of the concept, making it more than just an abstract idea or concept.

By developing the flashcards and coloring book in a digital format, we have taken the initial steps to transform the idea into a practical tool for STEM learning. This digital format allows for easy distribution, accessibility, and potential scalability. It also provides an opportunity to gather feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of the resources in engaging and educating the target audience.

In summary, the flashcards and coloring book in digital format serve as tangible components of the prototype for the "Stemployed" idea. They demonstrate progress beyond a mere concept, as they provide concrete examples of the educational resources and potential user experience. However, it's important to continue iterating and refining the prototype by considering other crucial aspects such as the gamified hiring games, virtual reality glasses, and overall user journey to fully realize the potential of the "Stemployed" idea.

Participating in the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge provides numerous advantages for our project. It offers the opportunity to gain recognition and visibility, attracting stakeholders, collaborators, and funders. The challenge also facilitates networking and collaboration, connecting us with like-minded organizations and individuals to enhance our impact. Access to valuable resources, mentorship, and support from experts in gender equity and STEM can strengthen our project's design and access funding opportunities. The challenge promotes continuous learning and improvement, with feedback and evaluation guiding our progress. Winning the challenge adds credibility and attracts further support and investment. Additionally, participating in the challenge allows us to advocate for gender equity in STEM and influence policy discussions. In conclusion, the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge accelerates our project's impact through recognition, resources, networking, support, and advocacy.

As a Graduate Student and Adjunct Instructor, Lily Edinam Botsyoe researches the deployment of technology in service of public needs. She is an ardent contributor to technology communities and speaks widely on issues relating to the internet with a particular interest in Women and Youth Inclusion, Accessibility, Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Digital Sustainability.

As a believer in the power of technology to accelerate development, her work focuses on human-centered approaches to building technology that ignites real impact for users. Lily grounds her strategies in the principles of digital inclusion and solutions focused on sustainability and scale.

In the Internet Governance and policy space, Lily coordinates the Ghana Youth Internet Governance Forum and is a member of the steering committee for the West Africa and Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum. She is part of the 30 women awarded the STEM Woman Honour 2020 at the National Women in STEM Honours in Ghana for her contribution to the field of work and education under STEM. This has spurred her interest to start a book-based mentorship to build a STEM Identity for girls through a color book. Lily was also awarded the 2021 Research and Knowledge Builder in Ghana by the Coalition for Digital Equality.