As the technological and scientific arenas evolve, there is a growing necessity to redefine what constitutes STEM education, especially for underrepresented groups such as Black and Latina young women. Our presentation, “Redefining STEM: Integrating Non-Traditional Pathways to Empower Young Women of Color,” advocates for a transformative educational approach that extends beyond conventional boundaries to include fields like cosmetic chemistry, sports science, fashion design, arts and entertainment technology, and culinary science. This redefinition aims to cultivate a ‘STEM identity’ that resonates with the personal interests and cultural backgrounds of Black and Latina female students, thus fostering a more inclusive and appealing STEM environment. By incorporating elements from everyday life and non-traditional STEM fields, educators can create relatable and engaging learning experiences that break down the stereotypes and barriers typically associated with STEM education. We will present engaging strategies for educators to integrate these non-traditional STEM subjects into their daily teaching activities, thereby transforming the conventional STEM classroom into a hub of creativity and innovation. These strategies include problem-based learning that utilizes real world scenarios, enabling students to develop a core STEM skill: problem-solving. Additionally, we will highlight women who are currently working in these non-traditional STEM fields as well as trailblazers in traditional STEM fields. This approach aims to inspire girls of color by providing them with role models who resemble them.”

Authors: Denise P. Barrett, Eurydice Stanley

Published in: London International Conference on Education (LICE-2024)

• Date of Conference: 4-6 November 2024
• DOI: 10.20533/LICE.2024.0010
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-74-7
• Conference Location: St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK