STEM Passport for Inclusion
The STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme addresses unequal access to STEM courses and careers among people from under-served communities. STEMP.Inc aims to empower learners from working class communities with a STEM qualification and an Industry mentor. Our vision is to ensure people on the margins of society are STEM prepared. Through our innovative system thinking approach we have worked with Industry and Educators, from across Ireland, to provide STEM opportunities to 1000s of under-served people from across the island of Ireland.
STEM Passport Impact: Transforming Futures
Key Findings and Programme Impact:
- Improved STEM Awareness and Confidence: Surveys conducted with over 5,000 participants revealed notable increases in students’ STEM awareness and confidence. For example, only 28% of students knew a woman working in STEM before participating; post-programme, this figure rose to 92%. This awareness shift is crucial in breaking down stereotypes and reshaping students' aspirations.
- Bridging the Socioeconomic Gap: Surveys conducted with over 5,000 participants revealed notable increases in students’ STEM awareness and confidence. For example, only 28% of students knew a woman working in STEM before participating; post-programme, this figure rose to 92%. This awareness shift is crucial in breaking down stereotypes and reshaping students' aspirations.
- Positive Influence of Mentorship: Mentorship feedback revealed a heightened awareness of their unconscious biases and a re-evaluation of their preconceptions about who can excel in STEM, reinforcing the programme’s broader impact on promoting equality in STEM.
- Broadening Mentor Perspectives and Awareness: Surveys conducted with over 5,000 participants revealed notable increases in students’ STEM awareness and confidence. For example, only 28% of students knew a woman working in STEM before participating; post-programme, this figure rose to 92%. This awareness shift is crucial in breaking down stereotypes and reshaping students' aspirations.
- Increased STEM Intentions and Career Aspirations: Post-programme analysis showed substantial increases in participants’ desire to pursue STEM careers. Students reported feeling that STEM fields were accessible to them, a change linked directly to programme participation.