In a recent Forbes article, The Importance Of After-School And Summer STEM Programs For The Future Workforce, Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of STEM Next, highlights the crucial role of after-school and summer STEM programs in preparing youth for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. While Ottinger’s piece addresses the broader importance of these programs for all youth, we want to explore how these initiatives can specifically benefit girls and women in tech.
The tech industry continues to grapple with gender disparities, with women comprising only about 25% of the workforce (Robinson, 2024). After-school and summer STEM programs offer a unique opportunity to address this imbalance by providing girls with early exposure to STEM fields in supportive, grade-free environments.
Ottinger emphasises that out-of-school time (OST) STEM programs build confidence and career awareness. For girls, who often face societal biases and stereotypes in STEM fields, these programs can be transformative. They create a sense of belonging in STEM, or “STEM identity,” which is crucial for girls considering tech careers. Programs like the Million Girls Moonshot’s Flight Crew, mentioned by Ottinger, connect girls with STEM professionals who share similar backgrounds, helping them envision themselves in these roles.
The flexibility of OST STEM programs allows for quick adaptation to emerging technologies. This agility is particularly beneficial for girls, as it provides exposure to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning, areas where women are significantly underrepresented. For instance, Ottinger cites After School AI, which offers culturally responsive curricula introducing middle school students, particularly Black and Latinx youth, to AI concepts.
Mathematics proficiency is a key predictor of STEM career opportunities. Ottinger notes that since 2013, U.S. math rankings have declined globally. After-school and summer programs offer additional time for girls to practice and expand their math skills in a low-pressure environment. This extra support can be crucial in helping girls overcome math anxiety and build the strong foundation necessary for pursuing tech careers.
Moreover, these programs often incorporate hands-on activities and real-world applications of STEM concepts. This approach can be particularly engaging for girls, who may benefit from seeing the practical implications of their studies. For example, Ottinger mentions a “jump rope maths series” that teaches maths through sports, music, and dance, making the subject more accessible and enjoyable.
To maximise the impact of these programs on girls’ and women’s participation in tech, several steps can be taken:
- Increase funding and support for girl-focused STEM initiatives in after-school and summer programs.
- Develop mentorship programs that connect girls with women in tech fields.
- Ensure that OST STEM curricula are inclusive and address the specific interests and learning styles of girls.
- Collaborate with schools to create seamless pathways for girls from OST programs into advanced STEM courses and eventually tech careers.
By leveraging the unique benefits of after-school and summer STEM programs, we can create a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce. These initiatives offer a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women in technology.
References:
Ottinger, R. (2024, January 22). The Importance Of After-School And Summer STEM Programs For The Future Workforce. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2024/01/22/the-importance-of-after-school-and-summer-stem-programs-for-the-future-workforce/
Robinson, C. (2024, June 18). Women In Tech Stats: How The Industry Can Provide Equal Opportunities. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2024/06/18/women-in-tech-stats-how-the-industry-can-provide-equal-opportunities/
