Afterschool STEM Hub’s Post

🚀 Proud Moment! 🚀 I've just completed my role as a mentor in the STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme, where I had the privilege of supporting an incredible group of secondary school students from disadvantaged schools on their journey towards a STEM university qualification 🎓 It has been an incredibly rewarding experience – from sharing career insights to helping these fantastic students develop their technical skills and, most importantly, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their potential in STEM. 🌟 As a mentor, I contributed to their growth but also had the opportunity to build my own skills through the Mentoring for Equality training. The programme matches mentors like me working in STEM careers like psychology with young people. We work through their interests, career ideas and leadership qualities among many other things. An empowering experience that broadened my perspective on the importance of inclusive education! MY KEY LEARNINGS: ✨ Good leadership creates ripples - like many people, after reading Katriona O'Sullivan's book ‘Poor’, I wanted to do something. When I saw her building the STEM Passport for Inclusion Mentoring programme I decided to sign up.  ✨Mutual learning - I was learning as much from these young people as they were learning from me ✨Openness to improving - being able to reflect on the sessions with other mentors means each iteration of the programme is continously building upon what works or doesn't work - so the programme is constantly evolving to meet the needs of these young people. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of #STEM and supporting the next generation of leaders, I highly recommend getting involved as a mentor! The commitment is only 12 hours - 6 hours for training and 6 hours for mentoring and support - and you’ll make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable mentoring experience. If you're interested in becoming a mentor or want to learn more, get it touch with #STEMPInc via stempmentor@mu.ie Let’s continue to inspire and empower future generations in STEM! 💼✨ #STEMPassport #MentoringForEquality #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveSTEM

Mentoring in STEM - https://lnkd.in/epDq4FHX A teacher’s guide to mentoring in STEM How to find and be a good mentor in STEM BY BETHANY BROOKSHIRE  (excepted from Student Science) Mentors that are involved in students’ lives can keep them engaged and encourage them to pursue STEM careers. Finding someone who can inspire a student to take on the demands of STEM research can be challenging, though. Students vary widely in their backgrounds, training and interests. And what they need from a mentor will evolve as a student matures. But a good mentor can make the difference between someone who chooses a career in STEM — and […] The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring

🚀 Proud Moment! 🚀   Last week I completed my role as a mentor in the STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme. I had the privilege of supporting an incredible group of secondary school students from disadvantaged schools on their journey towards a STEM university qualification 🎓   It has been an enriching experience – from sharing my insights to helping these bright students develop their skills and, most importantly, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their potential in STEM 🌟 My journey from marketing to research into branding, technology and sustainability & health, demonstrates the variety of opportunities and broad range of applications of technology in the professional realm.   As a mentor, I contributed to their growth and had the opportunity to build my own skills through the #MentoringforEquality training.   MY KEY LEARNINGS: ✨ Listen and adapt. These young girls are now starting to consider their future careers, be ready to answer their questions and motivate them ✨ Imposter syndrome is here from a young age! On our final day, we discussed their skills and abilities and I encouraged them to believe in themselves ✨ Short-term goals. Choosing a career is doubting, so I encouraged my mentees to focus on short-term goals and activities that bring passion to their lives. Then, the rest will come.   If you’re passionate about shaping the future of #STEM and supporting the next generation of leaders, I highly recommend getting involved as a mentor! The commitment is about 12-15 hours - 6 hours for training and approximately 6 hours for mentoring and support - and you’ll make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable mentoring experience.   If you're interested in becoming a mentor or want to learn more, get in touch with #STEMPInc (email or DM their page)   #STEMPassport #MentoringForEquality #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveSTEM

Proud Moment! I'm thrilled to have completed my role as a mentor in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, where I had the privilege of supporting an incredible group of secondary school students from disadvantaged schools on their journey towards a STEM university qualification. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, from sharing industry insights to helping these bright students develop their technical skills and, most importantly, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their potential in STEM. As a mentor, I contributed to their growth but also had the opportunity to build my own skills through the Mentoring for Equality training. It was an empowering experience that has boosted my confidence and broadened my perspective on the importance of inclusive education. My key learnings: * By linking STEM concepts to everyday life, such as showing how common household devices rely on software, I noticed increased engagement and enthusiasm among the students. * Early exposure to STEM is crucial because the field is much wider and more diverse than most expect. This can spark interest in areas students weren't previously aware existed. * It's inspiring to see that the concept of equality is much more understood and respected among the younger generation compared to when I was their age. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of #STEM and supporting the next generation of leaders, I highly recommend getting involved as a mentor! The commitment is about 12 hours (6 hours for training and approximately 6 hours for mentoring and support) and you'll make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable mentoring experience. If you're interested in becoming a mentor or want to learn more, get it touch with #STEMPInc (email or DM their page). Huge thanks to Kalyn Potter & the STEM Passport For Inclusion team, as well as Shane O'Brien and MongoDB for this opportunity. #STEMPassport #MentoringForEquality #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveSTEM

Nurturing Success in STEM: The Power of Faculty Mentorship for Underrepresented Students - https://lnkd.in/gE2fxsAb Kuchynka, S. L., Gates, A. E., & Rivera, L. M. (2023). When and why is faculty mentorship effective for underrepresented students in STEM? A multicampus quasi-experiment. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. Advance online publication. https://lnkd.in/dHAynkTu Summarized by Saniya Soni About this Study  The overrepresentation of White and Asian men in STEM fields, coupled with cultural stereotypes about who belongs in STEM, creates isolating, unwelcoming, and patronizing environments for underrepresented groups (URG) in STEM. Successful mentorship, characterized by emotional and culturally responsive support, is associated with improved performance and increased identification with STEM for URG students. Demographic matching (e.g., pairing […] The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring

Proud Moment!   I’m thrilled to have completed my role as a mentor in the @STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme, where I had the privilege of supporting an incredible group of secondary school students from disadvantaged schools on their journey towards a STEM university qualification 🎓   It has been an incredibly rewarding experience – from sharing industry insights to helping these bright students develop their technical skills and, most importantly, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their potential in STEM. 🌟   As a mentor, I contributed to their growth but also had the opportunity to build my own skills through the Mentoring for Equality training. It was an empowering experience that has boosted my confidence and broadened my perspective on the importance of inclusive education.   MY KEY LEARNING: ✨ be curious and never judgemental ✨ meet people where they are ✨ you will take away just as much as they will from the sessions   If you’re passionate about shaping the future of #STEM and supporting the next generation of leaders, I highly recommend getting involved as a mentor! The commitment is about 12 hours - 6 hours for training and approximately 6 hours for mentoring and support - and you’ll make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable mentoring experience.   If you're interested in becoming a mentor or want to learn more, get it touch with #STEMPInc (email or DM their page) Let’s continue to inspire and empower future generations in STEM! 💼✨ #STEMPassport #MentoringForEquality #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveSTEM  

This is so true! Inclusion should be at the centre of everything. True Inclusion can only happen if it is part of everything and valued from the top of the organisation. Inclusion leads need to be on senior leadership teams.

🤩 As part of the SDG Warriors Podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Ms. Olga Kazarina - a trailblazing EdTech specialist, ISTE Community Leader and Google for Education Champion ✨ 👩🏫 Ms. Olga shared how her great-grandmother, a dedicated primary teacher during World War II, inspired her to pursue a career in education - Ms. Olga’s great-grandmother's determination to continue teaching, despite the dire circumstances of war, demonstrated the BIG impact teachers can have on both present and future generations. 🌏 Next, Ms. Olga discussed the setbacks in adopting global educational standards, like those of ISTE, within local cultural contexts. She highlighted the need for teachers to thoughtfully adapt these standards to align with the specific needs, values and traditions of their communities, ensuring that the education provided is both culturally relevant and effective - Reflecting on this, it's crucial to realize the importance of flexibility and cultural sensitivity in education. At the end of the day, better learning happens when it resonates with students' cultural backgrounds, making education relevant, more meaningful and impactful. 🎓 Ms. Olga emphasized the importance of striving for true inclusion, where all students, regardless of their abilities or needs, are given the opportunity to learn and grow together in the same educational environment. She advocated for a more holistic approach to #inclusion, one that goes beyond merely placing students in the same physical space and instead focuses on ensuring that every student receives the support and resources necessary to succeed - A key takeaway is that right support, understanding and resources help students to succeed together. It's important to make sure that EVERY student feels like they belong and can thrive. 🎨📚 Ms. Olga also discussed how project-based learning #PBL can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of students in inclusive classrooms. By leveraging technology and designing projects that cater to various skill levels and interests, we can create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for all students, regardless of their abilities - Based on my own experiences in the classroom, student projects are just like harnessing superpowers. By tailoring projects to individual interests and skills, it allows students to engage in meaningful ways and showcase unique strengths. #Collaboration with peers adds to this superpower effect, as it combines talents to tackle pressing problems creatively (+cultivates 21st Century Skills!) 💡🎙️ Our conversation offers valuable lessons on the future of education, from the power of role models, to the importance of adapting global educational standards to local contexts and building inclusive classrooms. For more insights, catch the entire episode here - https://lnkd.in/gcizbBQH #SDGWarriors #BeTheChange #StayCurious #SDG4 #Inspiration

I am privileged to have the support of Microsoft to volunteer and STEM Passport for Inclusion, one of the initiatives I deeply care for, gave me the opportunity to do so. I am excited to have just completed the program, supporting an incredible group of secondary school students from a disadvantaged school on their journey towards a STEM university qualification 🎓   It has been a rewarding and humbling experience – from sharing professional insights to helping these bright students develop their technical skills, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their potential in STEM and learning about the challenges they experience as young women looking to forge their future. 🌟   As a mentor, I contributed to their growth but also had the opportunity to build my own skills through the Mentoring for Equality training and learn from the students. It was an empowering experience that broadened my perspective on the importance of inclusive education.   MY KEY LEARNINGS: ✨The young people are very open to learn. Give your time and experience each time you have the opportunity ✨Don't assume things you find obvious are obvious - they are not ✨I have learned things about STEM I didn't know. This is a learning opportunity in addition to mentoring younger people So, if you’re passionate about shaping the future of #STEM and supporting the next generation of leaders, I highly recommend getting involved as a mentor! The commitment is about 12 hours - 6 hours for training and approximately 6 hours for mentoring and support - and you’ll make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable mentoring experience. If you're interested in becoming a mentor or want to learn more, get it touch with #STEMPInc: https://lnkd.in/eTD_tpJQ   #MicrosoftIrelandlife #STEMPassport #MentoringForEquality #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveSTEM 

Proud Moment! 🚀 I’m thrilled to have completed my role as a mentor in the @STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme, where I had the privilege of supporting an incredible group of secondary school students from disadvantaged schools on their journey towards a STEM university qualification 🎓 It has been an incredibly rewarding experience – from sharing industry insights to helping these bright students develop their technical skills and, most importantly, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their potential in STEM. 🌟 As a mentor, I contributed to their growth but also had the opportunity to build my own skills through the Mentoring for Equality training. It was an empowering experience that has boosted my confidence and broadened my perspective on the importance of inclusive education. MY KEY LEARNINGS: ✨Mentorship, I discovered, is far from a one-way street. Its a two way exchange of ideas, perspectives and insights. Each session with my mentees has been as enriching for me as it hopefully was for them. ✨ Communication is key for a successful mentor-mentee relationship; with the mentor being open, honest, and transparent, and the mentee feeling comfortable sharing challenges, ideas, and goals. ✨And finally, if something seems challenging or out of your comfort zone, don't shy away from it. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of #STEM and supporting the next generation of leaders, I highly recommend getting involved as a mentor! The commitment is about 15 hours across 4 months - 6 hours for training and approximately 9 hours for mentoring and support - and you’ll make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable mentoring experience. If you're interested in becoming a mentor or want to learn more, get it touch with #STEMPInc (email or DM their page) Let’s continue to inspire and empower future generations in STEM! 💼✨ #STEMPassport #MentoringForEquality #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveSTEM