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.​

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! 
How do you help youth recognize their role in STEM? How do you help youth learn about STEM careers? Participants experience several easy-to-implement strategies, including a photo-elicitation activity that can help youth form STEM identities, and then learn how to conduct related activities with youth.

*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.  Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.  Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module.

​Wednesdays: 09/20/2023, 10/04/2023, 10/18/2023 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST/ 8:00 - 10:00 am PST
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Code: AC360ID

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

Celebrating Lights On Afterschool

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The effort, led by the Afterschool Alliance, has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.

Celebrating Lights On Afterschool is more important now than ever to showcase the importance of afterschool programs and the hard work the out-of-school time community invests in providing for our keiki and ‘ōpio! This toolkit has some ideas and options to celebrate with us whether you’re virtual or in-person!​

CLICK HERE
These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Neuroscientist,  Lataisia Jones. They can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.
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Lataisia Jones's Assets: 
​These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Cosmetic Chemist, Roselin Rosario-Melendez. They can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

Roselin Rosario-Melendez's Assets:
These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Social Science Researcher, Charita Castro. These can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conference presentations. 

Charita Castro'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.

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