The Role Model Difference

Research shows that role models are important for expanding career options and introducing girls to STEM careers. While most young children, girls and boys, say that they like science, differences in confidence and interest in STEM begin to emerge in middle school. In high school, girls may enroll in as many advanced math and science courses as boys and perform just as well, but fewer high school girls pursue technical majors in college, particularly in engineering and computer science. Introducing girls to role models can change these outcomes.
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Incorporating the Stories of Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ Scientists Into the Physics Classroom 
  • Short article from NSTA about the contributions of women, people of color, and other diverse scientists to the field of Physics. Includes a link to lesson plans that could be adapted for K9-12.​

Techbridge Girls: Role Models Matter 

Exposure to role models involved in STEM fields has the power to increase girls' interest and likelihood to pursue a STEM career in the future. To support role models and increase their effectiveness, Techbridge Girls developed the Role Models Matter™ training program. This training has been developed with STEM champions in mind. 

Complete the training at your own pace and on-demand. When participants complete the training, they will receive a Credly badge and access to 5 dynamic, hands-on workshops that can be facilitated with girls in classrooms and out-of-school time spaces.
Less than 50% of high school girls know a woman in a STEM career. Let's change that- recruit STEM professionals to support the youth you serve today!  
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The Moonshot helps to connect STEM experts with out-of-school-time programs! Share your progran's volunteer opportunities for STEM experts to work with your youth today! 

Talk HERstory Collection

Calling all womxn in STEM! Join our Talk HERstory Collection to be a role model to youth in afterschool programs in Hawaiʻi!

Eligibility:
  • Women in STEM Field
From Hawaiʻi or has experience working in Hawaiʻi
Role Model Expectations:
  • Be available to talk to youth in afterschool programs (virtually and or in-person)
  • Anticipated time commitment: 2 hours
Timeline:
  • Role Models will be contacted by afterschool programs
  • Role Models will have the opportunity to share their STEM experiences (virtually and/or in-person)
Goals:
  • Inspire and engage girls, non-binary youth, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander youth to STEM
  • Build pipeline of STEM careers and pathways

Incorporating Role Models &
​Inspiring Future Generations

Women in STEM Spotlight
These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassadors.

This Is What A Scientist Looks Like!

The IF/THEN Ambassadors Program is designed to further individuals, but especially young ladies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers.

Family Engagement

Parents are vital players in raising youth’s awareness of the value of STEM and in brokering their participation in activities that build STEM competencies. For youth, family support plays a particularly important role in participation and retention in a STEM pathway! 
Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance
University of Hawai‘i
1776 University Avenue, ​WA1-102
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-956-6515