A World of Women in STEM: An Online Learning Platform

Women and gender minorities have always been key contributors to the development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Despite this long history of engagement, at every level of education, there is attrition of young people from underrepresented groups who lose interest in STEM topics due to unengaging content, lack of role models, active discouragement, or any other number of unseen factors. This so-called "Leaky Pipeline" is a well-established challenge to representation, inclusion, and retention of ethnic and gender minorities and women in the STEM fields. A World of Women in STEM (WOW STEM) is a free resource that addresses this issue by providing accessible and engaging blogs, videos, and activities that highlight the lives and science of women in STEM. WOW STEM contributors are graduate students, undergraduates, and early-career professionals in the STEM fields who are passionate about sharing their love of STEM with the world. Our content is designed specifically for girls in 7th-10th grade, when students begin to differentiate their interests, choose their own classes, and develop their sense of self-efficacy and belonging. This is also an education level that is largely ignored in most science communication efforts. WOW STEM fills this outreach gap, provides diverse STEM role models, and inspires curiosity in young women and gender minorities.