In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, U.S. adults indicated Math (79%) and Science (58%) as “important for children to get ahead in the world today.” However, when comparing the achievement of U.S. students to that of peer countries, US students lag behind those in many other advanced industrial nations. In one of the largest cross-national tests (Program for International Student Assessment) given to students, the United States ranked an “unimpressive” 38th among 71 countries in Math and Science.
When considering young girls, there is much work to be done. Did you know that as young as age 6 some young girls already have an impression of their (in)ability to perform well in Math and Science? A study involving 5-7 years old found that while youth aged 5 are more likely to associate “brilliance” with their own gender, by ages 6 -7, only boys held that view. The researcher also found that older girls “were less interested in games meant for ‘really, really, smart” children.
These disparities in STEM become even greater when considering other contributing factors such as socio-economic status, race, and geographical locations. It should not come as a surprise that children in low-income households have less access to resources than students in middle and high-income households. Unfortunately, income and race can be inextricably connected; this often leaves many students of color as the recipients of under-performing schools and poor educational systems. The problems can be astronomical when considering certain geographical areas. Many students in rural America struggle to obtain access to high-speed internet or an internet connection in general. This limits access to resources from the web and automatically places many of the students at an even greater disadvantage.
Beautiful Additions (Be_U) Summer STEM Camp for girls attempts to address some of these disparities. Please review and share the link below to help reach the goal needed to support the camp:
https://startsomegood.com/be-u-tiful-additions
Thanks for making a difference for a young child!
