Research says: Feminine STEM role models do not motivate girls

[pfreivald]

Originally Posted by Siri

(Agreed with Katie.) There's also a good deal of sample bias for many FRC teams:

And miniscule sample sizes. I have been asked repeatedly over the years how we attained and maintained a 30-50% female participation rate on a yearly basis -- and without having female mentors (we now have one; a former student) -- and my answer is always the same:

I don't know.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by pfreivald

And miniscule sample sizes. I have been asked repeatedly over the years how we attained and maintained a 30-50% female participation rate on a yearly basis -- and without having female mentors (we now have one; a former student) -- and my answer is always the same:

I don't know.

Our answer to that is, "It just takes one." We've meant that with regard to one female student. I do know that, as a technical mentor, the world would be my oyster. As a non-technical mentor, I've had many graduating seniors thank me for being a role model, even though I'm tough. As a technical mentor, I think I would really be on the receiving end of gratitude and appreciation. But.. I can only imagine.

Jane