ABSTRACT

Existing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields underscore the need for outreach programs to engage young women in these subjects. Although many programs exist for high school students, girls may lose interest in STEM subjects at an earlier age. Females Excelling More in Math, Engineering, and Science (FEMMES) hosts an annual, free, one-day event that provides exciting, hands-on workshops for 4th−6th grade girls from Durham, North Carolina, to encourage them to further explore their potential in these fields. This study evaluated the effect of the one-day event ("Capstone") on the 4th−6th grade girls' interest in, knowledge of, and confidence in STEM subjects. Assessments (self-reported ratings) were obtained from 319 participants prior to, immediately after, and again three months after the Capstone event. A repeated measure ANOVA (analysis of variance between groups) revealed a significant increase in interest in engineering, and confidence and knowledge of math, science, and engineering three months after the one-day event. Continued exposure to STEM fields through outreach programs like the FEMMES semester-long afterschool program (Chen et al., J. Women Minor. Sci. Eng., vol. 17, no. 4, p. 315−327, 2011; companion paper) may result in stronger long-term outcomes. Results from this study indicate that hands-on workshops and mentorship from female faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students may be important factors in inspiring young girls to pursue STEM fields.