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8 ORGS · 37 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
approach

Representation and Relatability

By connecting underrepresented students with relatable role models and mentors in STEM, we increase their identification with and persistence in these fields, because seeing people who share their identities and lived experiences makes scientific careers feel accessible, achievable, and affirming. This strategy centers on identity-based belonging as a lever for systemic change in STEM participation. Unlike general mentorship or experiential learning approaches, it specifically leverages representation—through race, gender, cultural background, or life experience—to counter stereotype threat, reduce isolation, and model "possible selves." The shared theory of action across these items is that visibility of successful peers and professionals who "look like me" transforms aspirations into actionable pathways, particularly for girls, women, and minorities historically excluded from science and technology.

8
orgs running it
37
activities of those orgs
12
activity groups touched
who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 8

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Build global collaborations for STEAM access and cultural awareness SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    capacity building
    Fosters international partnerships to expand cultural and educational awareness, connecting students and communities globally to opportunities in STEAM fields.
  • Deliver STEAM education programs and curricula for women and minorities SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    direct service
    Develops and implements STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education programs and curricula targeting women and underrepresented minorities, including hands-on workshops and e-learning access. Provides one-year access to the STEM at Every Level e-learning platform for students.
  • Engage in Pan African cultural and educational advocacy SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    advocacy
    Participated in the Pan African Heritage Museum's 4th Annual Conference with CEO Tracy L. Gray serving as Chair and Presenter, advancing cultural and educational advocacy within the African diaspora.
  • Expand organizational presence in Ghana SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    capacity building
    Registered Sankofa Global Project, LBG under the Companies Act in Ghana in December 2024, establishing a legal entity to support future programming and partnerships in the region.
  • Host hands-on STEM workshops focused on climate justice SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    direct service
    Organizes and hosts four annual hands-on STEM workshop days centered on climate justice in the communities served, integrating experiential learning with environmental awareness.
  • Participate in national advocacy initiatives for inclusive youth entrepreneurship SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    advocacy
    Engaged in President Obama’s “I Have a Dream” Workshop on Inclusive Youth Entrepreneurship as part of the White House Council on Women and Girls and the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, advocating for equitable opportunities in entrepreneurship for youth.
  • Provide storytelling and animation training through industry partnerships SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    direct service
    Partners with Story Xperiential to train students in the Pixar storytelling process, guiding them to create story reels and drafts of animated short films as part of a broader STEAM education offering.
  • Receive recognition for national STEM education advocacy SANKOFA GLOBAL PROJECT INC
    advocacy
    Received official recognition from the White House for dedication to expanding STEM learning opportunities nationwide, reflecting advocacy efforts in science and technology education equity.
  • Conduct research and program evaluation on STEM education outcomes FULL STEAM FORWARD INC
    research
    Conducts pre- and post-program assessments to evaluate changes in science knowledge, self-confidence, engagement, and career interest. Research shows over 90% of students report academic benefits, 95% maintain or improve confidence in STEM careers, and 100% of graduates consider pursuing STEM in high school and college. Girls in similar programs show higher standardized test scores, AP enrollment, graduation rates, and college STEM degree attainment.
  • Deliver 3-year STEAM afterschool programs for girls of color FULL STEAM FORWARD INC
    direct service
    Provides free, three-year sequential STEAM programming for girls of color in 3rd through 6th grades, with curricula focused on ecosystems (Year 1), Earth sciences (Year 2), and artificial intelligence (Year 3), delivered through synchronous in-person or online classes, hands-on projects, and mentorship. Serves over 250 girls in the United States and 35 girls in Kenya, including a cohort of 15 at Prince Dan Academy in Kajiado Town.
  • Deliver AI-focused curriculum and project-based learning in Kenya FULL STEAM FORWARD INC
    direct service
    Runs a 23-week artificial intelligence curriculum for girls in Kenya covering machine learning, robotics, and ethical technology, culminating in the development of AI-powered chatbots trained on real data, custom websites, and AI solutions for real-world problems.
  • Fund distribution of personal protective equipment to frontline workers FULL STEAM FORWARD INC
    grantmaking
    Funded the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to front-line and essential workers, with $1,193,549 in grants awarded and equivalent expenses reported in support of this effort.
  • Operate alumni and mentorship programs to sustain STEM engagement FULL STEAM FORWARD INC
    direct service
    Runs an alumni program offering field trips, guest speakers, STEM opportunity databases, annual engagement surveys, and opportunities to return as mentors. Also provides college-aged mentors majoring in STEM or education to support students during online classes and provide individualized academic help.
  • Provide professional development for elementary teachers in STEAM education FULL STEAM FORWARD INC
    capacity building
    Offers a professional development program for elementary school teachers to strengthen their science content knowledge, self-efficacy, and pedagogical skills in STEAM education.
  • Awards scholarships to first-year graduate students CIENTIFICO LATINO INC
    direct service
    Funds educational expenses for first-year graduate students through scholarship awards. In one year, awarded $25,000 to 25 students; in a subsequent year, awarded $42,500 to 34 students.
  • Hosts blog series featuring personal experiences and career advice in STEM CIENTIFICO LATINO INC
    direct service
    Produces and maintains a blog series that highlights personal experiences, reflections, and career guidance from students, faculty, and professionals in STEM fields, aimed at supporting early-career individuals. The content includes interviews and advice on mentorship, graduate school applications, and professional development.
  • Maintains comprehensive databases of STEM opportunities CIENTIFICO LATINO INC
    direct service
    Operates and updates multiple publicly accessible databases including over 500 undergraduate summer research programs, more than 250 fellowships, over 180 high school research opportunities, and post-baccalaureate and NIH-funded PREP programs. These resources are regularly updated through community submissions and volunteer support.
  • Prepares scientists for consulting careers through targeted mentorship and webinars CIENTIFICO LATINO INC
    direct service
    Offers professional development programming focused on consulting careers, including two webinars that reached 84 scientists and individualized mentorship for 10 students applying to consulting positions.