Building STEM Mentorship Capacity in Delaware for Girls
GrantID: 13708
Grant Funding Amount Low: $75,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $2,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
STEM Mentorship for Girls Program in Delaware: A Pathway to Equity
Delaware faces persistent gender disparities in STEM fields, with women making up only about 28% of the workforce in science and technology sectors according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The underrepresentation of women in these critical fields reflects broader societal barriers that begin in education. Research indicates that girls in Delaware, especially those from low-income and minority backgrounds, often lack access to resources, role models, and mentorship opportunities that could inspire them to pursue careers in STEM. As a result, many potentially promising STEM students face significant hurdles in their educational trajectories, leading to lost opportunities.
The demographics of girls in Delaware schools disproportionately represent low-income communities and students of color, who are particularly impacted by these gender and socioeconomic barriers. The lack of female mentors and role models in their schools exacerbates the issue, leaving many girls unaware of the potential pathways available to them in STEM careers. According to the Delaware Department of Education, only 15% of high school girls express a strong interest in pursuing a STEM career, significantly lower than their male counterparts.
To address these disparities, the STEM Mentorship for Girls Program in Delaware directly targets the barriers faced by female students in STEM education. By creating mentorship relationships between girls and local colleges and tech companies, the program emphasizes providing workshops and events focusing on female role models in STEM. These initiatives are crafted to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among young women, showing them that success in these fields is attainable.
Applications for mentoring pairs will necessitate engagement from local colleges and tech companies that pledge to support the program through mentorship and resources. The program also requires schools to identify eligible girls committed to participating in STEM learning activities. This collaborative approach ensures that mentoring is not only a one-time event but an ongoing relationship where students receive support throughout their formative years.
By implementing the STEM Mentorship for Girls initiative, Delaware aims to increase female representation in science and technology fields significantly. This outcome is vital, as equitable gender representation in STEM will contribute to economic growth and innovation within the state. The program is not merely about providing education, but about reshaping societal perceptions of women in these careers, fostering a community that celebrates diversity and elevates young women in STEM. As Delaware seeks to retain and attract a diverse workforce, empowering girls through focused mentorship programs ensures they are equipped with the skills and confidence to emerge as future leaders and innovators in science and technology domains.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
