Girls often express less interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education and careers than boys, despite having comparable aptitude. We randomly assigned 242 girls (Mdn[subscript age] = 12 years; 38% East Asian; 37% White) at Canadian STEM camps to control conversations about generic camp experiences, or intervention…

Inequities in STEM persist, notably in underrepresented groups relating to gender, race, socio-economic status, and disability. The purpose of this study was to explore correlations between STEM identities, personal identities, mentor-related experiences, and academic/career persistence of undergraduate students in Idaho public post-secondary…

Role model interventions are often designed to foster students' pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We hypothesize that role model interventions might also unintentionally shape students' beliefs concerning the broader social system--their ideologies--leading them to view the (inequitable) status quo in…

The proportion of women in the IT sector is decreasing. In schools, girls tend to stay away from IT or take on roles in softer activities such as digital safety, social media. Studying and working in IT requires technical skillset. At the same time, the sector would need people with people and organizational skills as well. Technical skills can be…

Role models are critical for broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); however, little is known about STEM role model characteristics most likely to promote identification. This study focused on adolescents' preferences and identification with diverse STEM role models featured in online videos. Findings…

We surveyed 196 individuals who study or work in STEM regarding the role models and inspirations that had an influence on them pursuing STEM education and careers. The data showed that role models influenced around 30% of the sample. These role models can then be divided into three overarching types, teachers, family, and well-known scientists,…

Exposing women and girls to female role models is considered essential to break down gender-stereotypical beliefs on STEM interest and engagement. However, evidence remains controversial regarding the efficacy of these interventions. Here, we provide a scoping review of fifty-seven empirical studies that considers information about: (1) research…

Motivated by ongoing gender disparities in engineering, the authors qualitatively examine how collegiate STEM student organizations serve as affirming spaces for women's engineering identity development, countering their exclusionary classroom environments. Drawing from interviews and written data with 24 undergraduate women, findings demonstrate…

Multiple learning theories encourage the use of role models within K-12 settings and have guided research on role model representation to diversify the pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Research has been clear on benefits of using role models, primarily focused on promoting gender and racial/ethnic…

Bandura's research on observational learning laid the foundation of role model research. Contemporary research shows role models support women and racial/ethnic minority students in STEM by buffering them from the deleterious effects of stereotype threats and boosting their self-efficacy. However, certain characteristics can make role models more…

League of VetaHumanz uses a nationwide network of university-community partnerships to provide veterinary STEM learning experiences for children who are more likely to lack access to enriching, supplemental educational opportunities due to systemic barriers based on their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. To include participation beyond…

It is essential that all students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have the motivational supports to persist in their STEM career trajectories. "STEM role models," or successful individuals in STEM, can be powerful tools to motivate college students towards STEM careers, particularly if students…

Qualified professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and STEM education are in increasingly short supply globally. Role models can help increase women's representation in STEM, both at entry and senior levels. The study objectives were to identify the characteristics of role models in STEM higher education and…

Purpose: Girls are underrepresented in many school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, leading to ongoing gender disparity in STEM careers. This issue is not new and has seen a range of initiatives implemented in an attempt to increase girls' STEM participation. In Australia, a number of these initiatives have…

In recent years, several role-modelling initiatives have been testing and exploring the use of digital technologies to facilitate young people's encounters with role models in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The aim of this article is twofold. Firstly, through a literature review, the article aims to provide an…