STEM-Passport for Inclusion (STEMP.inc)

Young women from socially-economically disadvantaged disadvantaged (SED) are not accessing STEM careers. A myriad of factors explains this – they lack role models, have reduced STEM capital, and limited availability of STEM subjects. Since the introduction of the Discover programme, the programme has been working hard to challenge gender biases, supporting women to access STEM skills. STEM Passport.Inc aims to extend the vision of Discover by building a three-tiered programme of STEM supports for SED girls. Through partnership with the RDI Hub, Accenture, Microsoft, TeenTurn, Maynooth University and Munster Technological University we will make three key changes to the existing systems- (1) build an accredited STEM skills programme, Preparing 1000 disadvantaged girls from Munster and Leinster for STEM courses, (2) build an accredited Pathway into both Universities- facilitating entry to STEM degree courses for disadvantaged girls who do not meet University matriculation requirements who have participated in the STEM skills programme (3) build a Platform where girls are provided with a STEM profile, where their STEM needs are identified and where all STEM activities, courses and career opportunities are housed. The Platform will streamline the STEM offerings across Ireland including Discover funded programmes, STEM career opportunities and college opportunities. STEM Passport.Inc will work at the individual, educational and structural level of the STEM ecosystem to ensure that the STEM systems in place are meeting the needs of SED girls, and that there is communication across key stakeholders to harness the talent that SED girls can bring to the STEM workforce.