Empowering Girls in STEM

Harivardhagini Subhadra, Thirmal C, Matteo B Lodi, Luca Pierantoni, Santhosh Sivasubramani

Abstract: The persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM fields necessitates educational interventions. NanoQuest is an initiative designed to address this gap by engaging young girls through a curriculum that integrates inclusive pedagogy, hands-on learning, and effective outreach practices. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the NanoQuest program, which combines project-based learning with a strong focus on real-world applications to boost interest and confidence in STEM among female students. A key feature of the program is its mentorship component, where participants are paired with female STEM professionals. This pairing offers not only guidance and inspiration but also introduces students to tangible career possibilities, addressing the significant barrier posed by the lack of visible female role models in STEM fields. Complementing this is NanoQuest’s outreach strategy, which involves partnerships with local schools and community organizations to ensure a wide-reaching impact. This approach enhances accessibility for girls from diverse backgrounds while embedding the program within the community for long-term sustainability. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies using data collected from participant feedback and performance metrics. The findings demonstrate notable improvements in attitudes towards STEM, increased interest in pursuing STEM careers, and a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. Challenges encountered during implementation, such as technology integration and scalability, are also discussed. By advancing inclusive, mentorship-driven, and hands-on pedagogical practices, this paper contributes actionable insights to the field of STEM education, reinforcing the potential for transformative impact in engaging underrepresented groups.

External IDs:doi:10.1109/mnano.2025.3607024