ACS data on undergraduate fields of study indicates that only about 25% of employed STEM degree holders are women due to negative stereotypes that discourage girls’ interest and performance in STEM subjects. In response, Kettering University, Longway Planetarium, and the University of Michigan-Flint created a 30-week STEM program open to all middle school girls in the community, regardless of finances or ethnicity.  Curiosity Academy promotes a positive image of scientists and demonstrate the strong role women play in advancing science.  The program provides a risk-free environment to explore STEM concepts without the pressure of grades, standardized tests, or peer pressure while encouraging our youth to further pursue studies in STEM.  A robust scientific community has been created by holding activities at all three institutions, providing faculty, professional personnel, and students as speakers, and focusing on problem-based learning activities.

Breaking stereotypes: Developing a 30-week program to encourage middle school girls to pursue STEM studies

251st National Meeting (2016)

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