How to Introduce Your Students to Diverse STEM Role Models

For a child to have the confidence to reach for the stars, they must first know it is possible to get there. By identifying a relatable, innovative role model at an early age, children can find inspiration to explore STEM interests. Promoting a diverse range of role models is especially essential to addressing the lack of representation that persists across STEM programs, media and careers.

Promote Role Models Through Out-of-School Programs

In our white paper, “The Importance of Early Exposure to Innovation,” the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® explores ways in which educators can help children find impactful and representative role models outside a traditional classroom setting. We invite you to read an excerpt below to help your students realize that a future in STEM is within their reach.

Introducing young minds to innovative, relatable role models and placing them in environments that allow the exploration of these inspirational figures is important; but often, due to lack of funding or an emphasis on standardized testing, these experiences are not given the attention they deserve. One way to address this problem is through the implementation of programming outside the confines of the normal school day.

A study commissioned by the Rand Corp. found that summer programming was especially beneficial for “low-income families who might not have access to educational resources throughout the summer months and for low-achieving students.”

When infused with lessons in STEM, these types of outside programming opportunities can both inspire and encourage those potentially interested in a STEM career to follow through with their desire.

See Innovation Come to Life With Real-World Lessons from Inventors

Our three-part white paper series “Building the I Can Invent Mindset Through Real-World Lessons From Inventors” showcases the importance of innovative role models who represent diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Read the brief summary below to see how these papers can help you remind your students that there is a place in STEM for everyone.

• In the first paper of this series, meet Hall of Famers Chieko Asakawa Gordon Gould and George Washington Carver. By walking through inspiring stories of these influential innovators, children can learn strategies for persistence in the face of challenges, discover the importance of intellectual property and explore world-changing creative problem solving. 
   
• The next paper features three more Hall of Famers. You’ll learn about Steve Sasson’s incredible entrepreneurship, Beatrice Hicks’ trailblazing confidence and Marian Croak’s innovative spirit. These diverse inventors reflect a drive to make the world a better place and inspire children to be resilient as they chase their goals. 
   
• Finally, our third paper of the series highlights Hall of Famers Luis von Ahn, Jacqueline Quinn, Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller and Polly Smith. These stories and related inventions inspire design thinking; demonstrate a commitment to science that moves society forward; and highlight the importance of collaborating and drawing from multiple perspectives to overcome obstacles.

Each of the characteristics demonstrated by these role models are important pieces to a unique mindset used by inventors, world changers and creative thinkers – the I Can Invent® Mindset. Encompassing nine skills and attributes that are embodied by our Hall of Famers, this growth mindset empowers students to practice creative problem solving with confidence as they tackle real-word problems.

Keep the Conversation Going

To learn more about important trends in STEM education, continue exploring our blog.