Project Spotlight
February 2024
This month, STELAR is pleased to spotlight the Exploring Key Predictors of STEM/ICT Career-related Outcomes Using the World Smarts STEM Challenge Model that Incorporates Global Engagement and Mentorship project. Targeting high school youth historically underrepresented in STEM/ICT fields, project leaders from IREX and North Carolina State University engage students in interactive World Smarts challenges. Their curriculum expands students’ real-world STEM knowledge while allowing them to interact within and problem-solve for their global community. Check out our Project Spotlight to see how this project broadens student perspectives and creates a global impact!
The World Smarts STEM Challenge offers experiences that enable students to solve real-world problems and address global issues within their communities. This problem-based learning and design-thinking process makes STEM learning practical and relevant and fosters motivation to take action and build global competence. The cross-disciplinary integration that shows diverse applications of STEM, hands-on project-based learning, and an emphasis on creativity and cross-cultural collaboration contribute to developing students' competence and active participation. The program also provides educators with professional development opportunities to build mentorship skills that support students in their STEM learning journey.
IREX’s work in youth engagement and workforce development is rooted in its mission to build a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information.
Recognizing the importance of STEM and global competence, IREX initiated efforts to equip youth with the tools essential for addressing future challenges with their local and global community. World Smarts focuses on increasing the number of youth engaged in problem-based learning, pursuing STEM majors in higher education, and developing skills in innovation, investigation, problem-solving, and global citizenship for careers in STEM/ICT.
Through other programs such as The Climate Talent Initiative, STEM Green Labs, Global Solutions STEM Challenge, and Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, IREX continues its efforts to strengthen STEM engagement and workforce development by equipping youth and leaders with the tools needed to thrive in the global economy.
Recognizing the importance of STEM and global competence, IREX initiated efforts to equip youth with the tools essential for addressing future challenges with their local and global community. World Smarts focuses on increasing the number of youth engaged in problem-based learning, pursuing STEM majors in higher education, and developing skills in innovation, investigation, problem-solving, and global citizenship for careers in STEM/ICT.
Through other programs such as The Climate Talent Initiative, STEM Green Labs, Global Solutions STEM Challenge, and Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, IREX continues its efforts to strengthen STEM engagement and workforce development by equipping youth and leaders with the tools needed to thrive in the global economy.
The World Smarts STEM Challenge encompasses a multifaceted approach in addressing the need for a diverse and culturally competent STEM/ICT workforce. World Smarts connects students in the U.S. and Ghana on binational teams to collaboratively design STEM prototypes that address real-world problems, while fostering cross-cultural understanding. This hands-on approach demonstrates a tangible and relevant context for STEM learning for students to spark interest in STEM and equip students with the skills needed to pursue STEM careers. With a practice-based partnership with North Carolina State University, IREX investigates how global competence and virtual exchange can expand access to STEM education, and the research contributes valuable insights to the benefits of virtual afterschool programming. Additionally, the initiative will produce evidence-based resources for youth development organizations, educators, and STEM professionals, to promote the adaptation and access of STEM-focused virtual exchange learning opportunities.
Please view our World Smarts STEM Challenge video here: https://vimeo.com/user9115855/review/863401574/c0e339ef5a
Please view our World Smarts STEM Challenge video here: https://vimeo.com/user9115855/review/863401574/c0e339ef5a
To broaden participation in STEM, IREX created a robust outreach plan and recruitment strategy to engage both educators and students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, and female students. Targeted outreach to public schools includes showcasing diverse role models, adopting inclusive curriculum and teaching methods, creating supportive learning environments, and collaborating with industry for real-world experiences. Showcasing diverse role models, STEM professionals and educators, inspires underrepresented populations by providing tangible examples of successful individuals who have overcome similar challenges, and the impact and relevance of STEM in the professional world. Additionally, adopting an inclusive curriculum involves incorporating diverse perspectives ensuring that students from various backgrounds see themselves reflected in the subject matter, such as the inclusion of youth climate activists from the US and Ghana in the World Smarts Curriculum. Another strategy is engaging educators in program development focused on program implementation, inclusive facilitation methods, and how to foster an environment that recognizes and respects diverse learning styles. These strategies collectively contribute to breaking down barriers, building confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging for underrepresented populations in STEM, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable landscape in these fields.
