GUIDED ACCESS
to STEM

The Need. This project aimed to tackle the significant issue of unequal access and underrepresentation in STEM industries by providing an evidence-based learning solution supported by technology to expand STEM knowledge and ensure equal access. Despite tremendous growth in STEM careers, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous individuals, women, and those from rural backgrounds remain vastly underrepresented in the STEM workforce (Pew Research Center, 2021). For instance, although Black individuals make up 11% of the U.S. workforce, only 9% hold STEM jobs, with just 6-7% in engineering and computer fields. Similarly, women hold only 25% of computer jobs and 15% of engineering roles (National Science Board, 2021).

 

Many social, economic, and industry factors drive these disparities. Social expectations and access to advanced STEM learning are uneven within the nation’s education system. A 2018 GAO report revealed that schools serving large populations of low-income students, who are disproportionately students of color, offered fewer advanced STEM courses (Nowicki, 2018). Rural schools, often facing limited budgets, struggle to provide comprehensive technology and computer science curricula and lack connections to STEM industries (Salciccioli, 2019). Despite evidence that young women perform as well or better than their male peers in STEM, they are still underrepresented in post-secondary STEM programs due to entrenched social expectations (Chavatsia, 2017). Research shows that by elementary school, students begin internalizing stereotypes about who can succeed in STEM (Bian, Leslie, & Cimpian, 2017).

 

These factors make it difficult for Black, Indigenous, Hispanic students, those from rural areas, and young women to envision a future in STEM. There is an urgent need to boost representation from these underserved populations, as national data highlights their underrepresentation in advanced math and science courses (U.S. Department of Education, 2018). Without scalable solutions that inspire young people, equip them with necessary skills, and illuminate pathways into STEM careers, these disparities will persist.

 

After receiving NSF-ITEST grant funding, this project is now being piloted with the San Diego Workforce Partnership, offering hands-on, technology-supported learning opportunities that aim to shift perceptions and increase access to STEM careers for historically marginalized groups.

The Solution. To address these challenges, we developed and proposed a software-based application designed to support the implementation and delivery of STEM-focused project-based learning (PBL). PBL, in this context, is a teaching method where students develop skills and knowledge by engaging in realistic, industry-connected, and personally meaningful projects. Drawing from formal literature reviews and data from partner organizations, we created a platform that offers personalized learning enhancements for both instructors and students.

 

I led the design of the platform's mock-up, functionality, and features, ensuring it would effectively connect STEM learners to hands-on PBL activities. The platform's goal was not only to provide experiential learning and workforce readiness but also to connect students with internship opportunities. By showcasing their PBL projects within the platform, students could impress prospective employers, offering a dynamic way to demonstrate their skills and work in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between education and career.

Opening the GATEs of STEM. The vision for GATE was both ambitious and innovative, as an application-based platform that offered a dynamic, dual-view experience for both teachers and students, packed with powerful tools and resources to transform STEM education through project-based learning (PBL).

 

For Teachers:  
The teacher view is a robust interface featuring a rich library of expertly designed learning modules and supports. Teachers can seamlessly navigate between four key areas:

 

Lesson Plans: Teachers can search a vast database of standards-aligned lesson plans filtered by grade level, content area, and specific needs, such as multilingual learner accommodations. From quick warm-ups and ‘do now’ activities to comprehensive, customizable PBL units, instructors have a wide array of **Project Implementation Options** at their fingertips, allowing for greater flexibility in tailoring content to their classroom’s unique needs.
 
Community of Practice: This virtual Professional Learning Community (PLC) enables teachers to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. Whether exchanging insights on lesson plan implementation or discussing strategies for engaging students, the platform fosters a supportive network of educators.

​

Exploring Industry: Teachers can dive into real-world STEM connections, making PBL lesson plans more relevant by linking them to current STEM professions and career pathways, helping students see the direct impact of their work.

​

PBLearn: A comprehensive virtual hub where educators can access interactive training modules on designing, deploying, and assessing PBL activities, ensuring they're equipped to deliver transformative learning experiences.

​

For Students:  
The student view is designed to engage learners with a suite of tools that enhance their STEM journey:

 

Community of Learners: Students can collaborate and communicate with peers across teams, engage with instructors, and even interact with industry experts to gain deeper insights into their projects, all through an intuitive community portal.

​

Exploring Career Pathways: This feature guides students through career exploration with detailed insights into STEM fields. From career assessments to academic and industry perspectives, students can map out their futures while understanding the real-world relevance of their PBL work.

 

Learning Hub: The Learning Hub serves as a gateway to curated resources like videos, tutorials, and background information essential for completing their PBL assignments. It provides students with everything they need to be successful in their projects, ensuring they have the knowledge to excel.

 

Portfolio: Students can upload their completed PBL projects and create digital portfolios to showcase their work. These portfolios can be shared with community members, mentors, and prospective employers, offering students a chance to dazzle future internship or job opportunities with real-world evidence of their skills.

 

Progress Tracker: Students can easily track their progress on active PBL assignments, helping them stay on top of deadlines and stay motivated as they move through their tasks.

​

With an emphasis on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, GATE’s platform offers multiple ways for students to engage, process information, and express their learning, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all learners. GATE provides a holistic, forward-thinking solution designed to connect students not just with STEM knowledge, but with real-world opportunities that prepare them for the future.