Role Models, Mentors, & Families

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.

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.

Creating Connections with Role Models Guide

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!

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

Learning About Global Warming & Our Environment

These activities can be used year-round to inspire conservation efforts:

Inspiring Future Generations

These assets are free profile videos and photos of the IF/THEN Ambassadors. They can be used to celebrate and inspire future generations:

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Sports medicine Doctor, Monica Rho. They can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

Dr. Monica Rho's Assets:

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Molecular Architect, Helen Tran. They can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

Helen Tran's Assets:

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Radiation Oncologist, Nina Nui Sanford. These can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conference presentations.

Dr. Nina Nui Sanford's Assets:

This Is What A Scientist Looks Like!

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

Check it out!

IF/THEN Collection Video Tour

Mentor Challenge Blog Post

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!

Engaging Families in Mathematics Education Toolkit

Community Math Night Facilitators’ Toolkit

Math Communities