Sharing Our Results: Insights from Last Year and What’s Next for the School Year
As we prepare to launch a new school year, we are excited to reflect on the 2023-2024 afterschool STEM program, which spanned 27 weeks and engaged 850 girls across 23 elementary schools in the East Bay Area. We met with the girls once a week for the full school year. Scientific Adventures for Girl’s programs, serving a diverse population of primarily BIPOC girls and those from low-income backgrounds, created meaningful change by fostering enthusiasm for STEM, building confidence and strengthening STEM identity.
Reflecting on Last School Year’s Successes:
Our evaluation results from last school year highlight the significant progress made in transforming students’ attitudes towards STEM, increasinging their sense of belonging in STEM and enhancing their engagement.
Math Engagement and Confidence: We held a 10-week hands-on math session during the fall of 2023. An outstanding 85% of students reported that they know they can do math and 76% want to do more math because of the SAfG program. Furthermore, 84% of the participants recognized that math is crucial for solving real-world problems, reinforcing the practical value of their learning.
Perseverance and Problem-Solving: One of the most encouraging results is the development of perseverance and problem-solving skills. A notable 81% of students try to think of alternative approaches when faced with a challenge, and 82% are determined to persist until they find a solution. These responses reflect our commitment to nurturing a growth mindset and resilience, essential traits for success in STEM fields.
STEM Enthusiasm and Future Aspirations: Our program has also succeeded in cultivating an interest for STEM. 76% of the girls reported feeling excited about STEM, and 74% expressed a desire to continue participating in SAFG classes this year. Additionally, 69% of students believe they can become scientists, and 68% see themselves as future engineers. This demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in inspiring long-term interest and career aspirations in STEM disciplines.
Family Engagement: Engaging families has been a central component of our community-level goals. 75% of students felt their families believed in their ability to do science, and 77% felt the same about their capacity for technology-related tasks..
Measuring Success and Looking Ahead
Our Two Measurable Goals:
Individual Level: Our primary aim is to positively influence children’s attitudes towards STEM and encourage them to see themselves as capable in these fields. The results clearly show that we are making strides towards this goal, with increased confidence and enthusiasm evident among the students.
Community Level: We strive to enhance family engagement by emphasizing the importance of early STEM education and increasing STEM-related discussions and activities at home. The feedback indicates that our outreach efforts are successfully engaging families, creating a supportive environment for ongoing STEM learning.
The Power of Partnerships:
Reflecting on the past year highlights the critical role of partnerships, coordination, and ecosystem-building in supporting girls' full participation in STEM. Our achievements were not merely the result of isolated efforts but the outcome of great collaboration among schools, teachers, families, and donors. It is clear that without these coordinated efforts, we would not have been able to achieve such a significant impact. The lesson is unmistakable: fostering a vibrant STEM environment for girls requires a unified approach, where every stakeholder works together to create opportunities and drive sustained progress.
What’s Ahead:
As we get ready for the new school year starting in September, we are excited to offer a robust range of programs, including Aviation Science, The Art of STEAM, and Food/Agriscience. We choose the Art of STEAM as we want the girls to understand that there is a creative, artistic side of STEM. Choosing Aviation Science and Food/Agriscience for the K-6th grade STEM curriculum empowers young girls to engage with critical fields that are essential for future innovation and sustainability. By introducing these disciplines early, we equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to address current and emerging challenges in sustainable aviation and agriculture, with the hopes of fostering a new generation of leaders in these vital industries. These programs will continue to build on our past successes, providing engaging and innovative STEM experiences for our students. We look forward to another year of inspiring growth and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young girls.
Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. Your support and partnerships are crucial to our continued success, and we eagerly anticipate another year of discovering, learning, and advancing our mission to change the face of science!