Building an Inclusive STEM Future: Engineering Students Empower Over 1200 Students by Designing Innovative Workshops Fostering Women's Participation in Engineering

STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is of paramount importance in providing students with a deep understanding of technology and the ability to devise practical solutions. Beyond cultivating competence in these disciplines, it is equally vital to nurture soft skills such as innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are applicable not only within STEM domains but also in various aspects of everyday life. Early immersion in STEM from an early age not only enhances academic performance but also fosters the essential development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills crucial to one's future success. We are delighted to present the findings of a groundbreaking educational initiative, led by a team of engineering students. This project entailed the design and execution of STEM-focused events for children and adolescents, embedded within the framework of the 2023 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Our holistic approach amalgamates practical methodologies, reflective practices, and the cultivation of indispensable skills. Participants within this program engage in a “Learn by Teaching” process, where they simultaneously acquire knowledge in STEM and develop soft skills essential for their educational journey, future professional endeavors, and social success. A dedicated team of 15 students distinguished themselves by crafting and orchestrating over 22 STEM activities, with a particular emphasis on fostering inclusivity and bolstering female participation in STEM, ultimately achieving an impressive 36.5% female participation rate. These activities wielded a profound influence on more than 1,200 children and adolescents, aged 6 to 18 (K-12 and more), hailing from 30 educational institutions. Throughout their participation in these activities, young learners honed valuable skills encompassing effective communication, collaborative teamwork, innovative thinking, complex problem-solving, critical analytical abilities, heightened self-awareness, empathetic understanding, introspection, and an enduring commitment to ongoing improvement. It is pertinent to underscore that the methodologies instituted within this project rest on a sturdy foundation of learning theories and embrace principles of inclusion and gender equity. The amalgamation of these multifaceted approaches has demonstrably proven to be efficacious in inspiring future generations, enriching their STEM proficiencies and knowledge, and fervently advocating for equal opportunities, irrespective of gender.