Building Student Futures: The Power of STEM in Widening Participation
摘要
Core scientific, mathematical, and digital competencies are crucial for success in higher education. The inclusion of these competencies—mostly encapsulated by the STEM area—is essential to efforts by widening participation programs to increase access to and success in higher education for underrepresented students. As such, the inclusion of STEM education is essential in these programs. By providing underrepresented students with skills in STEM, they will be better equipped to navigate the academic landscape and engage with the digital world. When incorporating STEM into widening participation programs, it is important to consider how to empower students to access STEM opportunities. These opportunities can be increased through, the integration of STEM content, innovative program design, curriculum development, the role of educators, and understanding the influence these factors have on future STEM careers. This chapter emphasizes the significance of STEM and offers examples of how it can be implemented in widening participation programs. STEM education should be more than just the transfer of knowledge but also a tool to empower the current and upcoming generations to excel in a constantly evolving, globalized, and competitive work environment.