Prototyping and Evaluating a Support Network for Female STEM Students through Participatory Practices

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2025-01-07

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6928

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Abstract

Considering the underrepresentation of women in STEM disciplines and the obstacles they encounter at the university level, it is imperative to develop innovative strategies to tackle these systemic problems. Support networks are essential for fostering an environment where minority students may exchange and understand each others' experiences, leading to empowerment and emancipation. This study aimed to identify resources that support networks should include to help women overcome current obstacles. Following participatory design, we gathered input from 85 female students in STEM fields and created prototypes of a digital support network, which had its usability assessed. According to the findings, implementing a support network in real-world situations might offer assistance and a welcoming environment to minority students in STEM. The support network could help these students feel a sense of community and belonging, encouraging them to begin and persist in their studies, ultimately contributing to a more diverse STEM profession.

Description

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STEM Education and Workforce Development: Addressing Equity and Inclusion for Underserved Populations, participatory design, stem, students, support network, women

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10

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Proceedings of the 58th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

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