Keywords
Diversity
Girls
Scientific and technological workshops
STEM
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and math careers (known as STEM) is a worldwide phenomenon that has been discussed for some time in the academy. However, it has also been shown that the participation of women in these areas brings important contributions. The M.A.F.A.L.D.A project emerged with the aim of encouraging girls from Elementary School II (EF-II) and High School (EM) from public schools to pursue higher careers in STEM areas.
Methods: The project works in partnership with public schools. Students selected from these schools participate in four types of activities: 1) workshops on cutting-edge scientific topics; 2) lectures given by women working in STEM; 3) “movie sessions” on the topic of women in STEM; 4) round tables with undergraduate and/or graduate students from the host university, who pursue careers in STEM areas.
Results/Discussion: So far, the project has operated for three years, serving three public schools and 145 girls from EM and 9th grade of EF-II. Also participating in the project were 22 undergraduate students, six graduate students and three postdoctoral researchers from UNICAMP (all female).
Conclusion: The overall feedback from project participants has been very positive. Some EM students entered careers in STEM fields at public universities and others were encouraged to continue their higher education and entered other careers at public and private universities after participating in the M.A.F.A.L.D.A project. The project had an impact on the citizen formation of UNICAMP students.
References
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