STEM MENTORING
Filipino students face an enormous challenge in engaging in STEM subjects, keeping up with their peers around the world in STEM academic performance, and mitigating the impact this achievement gap has on STEM industries in the Philippines
The struggles of girls, youth from low-income families, and first-generation college students to engage in and persist in STEM are also unprecedented, as these groups continue to remain disproportionately underrepresented in academia and the STEM workforce.
This is an issue that not only limits the career choices being considered by young Filipinos, but the dilution of the talent pipeline hurts our competitiveness in many industries. Closing these gaps in STEM engagement, performance, and representation has become an issue of national importance.
The SUM OF NIGEL aims to utilize mentoring as the cornerstone approach to increase performance in STEM and address issues of underrepresentation in STEM careers. The overall goal is to get young people interested in, plan toward, persist, and thrive in STEM-related educational and career opportunities.
Sophia Jeon, co-founder & mentor
Program Model & Strategy
Creating that STEM "spark" and generating enthusiasm for STEM, show how STEM subjects apply to real-world settings and issues, share more information about STEM careers and the roles scientists or engineers play in solving problems.
Exposing the youth to inspiring scientists, and engineers who represent a variety of careers and education pathways to positively impact the social development and academic achievement of our participating mentees.
Planning for, or direct completion of, various transition point activities, such as applying to college as a STEM major (Prepair), and securing the first job at a STEM company (How to get into a STEM company - the application process, skills, and credentials needed).
Learning the “soft” skills that would be very applicable to STEM careers, such as teamwork and collaboration, organizational skills, and clear communication.
