Research shows that interaction with STEM mentors plays an important role in helping girls develop a motivation, confidence, and resilience that supports their interest and persistence in STEM. The Imagine Your STEM Future (IYSF) Program does just this by pairing local Raytheon engineers and college students from UArizona with high school students at Desert View High School.
IYSF facilitators chaperoning a campus field trip.
Mentors commit to participate in the program for an entire school year, providing the opportunity to build sustained, robust relationships with students. UArizona students are eligible to receive course-credit for their participation in this internship.
The program is integrated into the school day in order to increase accessibility for student participants and takes place 3-4 days per week. The programming includes a combination of 1) hands-on STEM activities focused on the scientific method and the engineering design process, 2) reflective group conversations about STEM college and career pathways, and 3) visits/field trips with inspiring STEM role models.
While Imagine Your STEM Future is designed with the interests and experiences of girls in mind, the programming is open to students of any sex or gender. The IYSF Program participates in the NSF STEM PUSH Network.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Stephanie Murphy at sumurphy@arizona.edu.