Role Models Make a Difference 4 Recipe for Success

摘要

Decisions that affect career choice are made long before young adults enter the workforce. As early as kindergarten, children's career choices are influenced by sex-role stereotypes. In middle school, students choose courses and extracurricular activities that influence their academic and career paths. For many girls a career in science or technology is never considered an option. The problem isn't with the girls. A number of factors can limit girls' participation in science and technology: lack of encour- agement, limited enrichment opportunities, uninviting science and math courses, and lack of confidence. Role models are often presented as a means to counteract these factors and to encourage girls in science and technology. While there are many programs that introduce role models to youth, few report on the challenges involved or the kinds of support required for their success. In this article we present resources to support role models and a discussion of the lessons learned from the Techbridge program. We have found that role models can be an important influence in shaping the academic and career paths of girls.