Engaging Youth with STEM Professionals in Afterschool Programs

The interplay between youth development staff and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals can influence girls’ interest in STEM careers. Build IT, an afterschool and summer youth-based curriculum for middle school girls, uses design, communication technologies, and structured interactions with IT professionals to encourage girls’ IT fluency, interest in mathematics, and exploration of STEM careers. A mixed method, pre-post test design to evaluate the program revealed that even with limited interactions, girls’ expectations of success and attitudes about STEM careers were influenced when they interacted with female professionals, and these interactions increased the value that girls placed on STEM careers. Moreover, the development facilitator’s support during implementation—especially activities before, during, and after a visit with a professional—was critical. We share implications for practice on how to encourage girls’ interest in technology careers.