Empowering and Inspiring Young Girls a STEM at a Time: Using Place-Based Learning to Cultivate STEM Identities

Nevada Winrow,Taylor-Symon Winrow,Michael B Jones,Dwayne K Johnson,Brian Davis,Amy Heemsoth,David Smith

doi:10.5334/cjme.41

Abstract

Black Girls Dive Foundation (BGDF) was established to empower and inspire young girls to explore their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) identities through aquatic-based STEM activities and ocean stewardship. BGDF’s STREAMS program integrates aquatic-based recreation of SCUBA with scientific diving, ocean science, and stewardship. STREAMS explores ways to have broader reach and impact on STEM identity and STEM interest for individuals who are historically underserved and underrepresented in the sciences and provides research informed ways to close the divide and bring about equity.

Highlights

For the past four years, Black Girls Dive Foundation (BGDF) has impacted over 245 young girls, either through participation in our STREAMS program or through community STEM outreach activities
According to a collaborative study published by USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis, approximately 70 percent of African Americans do not know how to swim (Irwin, 2010)
A 2007 National Academies of Science report that focused on increasing underrepresented minorities in STEM fields showed that African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities have comprised only 15 percent of science and engineering occupations population (Johnson and Okoro, 2016)

Summary

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAM MODEL

Empowering and Inspiring Young Girls a STEM at a Time: Using Place-Based Learning to Cultivate STEM Identities. Black Girls Dive Foundation (BGDF) was established to empower and inspire young girls to explore their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) identities through aquatic-based STEM activities and ocean stewardship. BGDF’s STREAMS program integrates aquatic-based recreation of SCUBA with scientific diving, ocean science, and stewardship. STREAMS explores ways to have broader reach and impact on STEM identity and STEM interest for individuals who are historically underserved and underrepresented in the sciences and provides research informed ways to close the divide and bring about equity

Introduction

Conceptual Framework of STREAMS program

Identity and Agency in STEM learning

BGDF Digital Badges

Findings

PADI Open Water Certification