ERIC Number: EJ1305163
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
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Exploring STEM Engagement in Girls in Rural Communities: Results from GEMS Clubs
Wheeler, Kathryn A.; Hall, Georgia
Afterschool Matters, n34 p68-75 Spr 2021
More and more jobs involve STEM, yet women are still underrepresented in many STEM fields, particularly engineering and computer science (National Science Foundation, 2019). Rural students in particular have historically faced numerous obstacles to entering STEM fields, including low educational aspirations, lack of STEM role models, and lack of access to advanced STEM curriculum (Versypt & Ford Versypt, 2013). GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science), founded in 1994, strives to ensure that each participant sees herself "as a change agent or a problem-solver, a possible technology entrepreneur, engineer or a scientist, and a person who makes a difference" (GEMS, 2019). GEMS aims to reach girls who might otherwise not have broad exposure to formal STEM opportunities and role models, such as girls from rural areas and other underserved communities. Through its website, GEMS offers online support, including activity ideas, teaching tips, and other resources, to anyone interested in starting a GEMS club or in doing STEM activities at home. GEMS currently operates in more than 150 locations around the world. As a research partner to GEMS, the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) conducted an investigation of girls' experiences at GEMS clubs in rural Pennsylvania between September 2019 and February 2020, with funding from the McElhattan Foundation. The authors observation data suggests that GEMS activities successfully fostered cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement with STEM in participating girls.
Descriptors: STEM Education, After School Programs, Advanced Courses, Access to Education, Program Descriptions, Disproportionate Representation, Barriers, Change Agents, Problem Solving, Role Models, Rural Areas, Clubs, Learner Engagement, Elementary School Students, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
National Institute on Out-of-School Time. Wellesley Centers for Women, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. Tel: 781-283-2547; Fax: 781-283-3657; e-mail: niost@wellesley.edu; Web site: http://www.niost.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools
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Language: English
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Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
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