Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations Atlanta, Georgia April 23, 2005

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  Nancy McIntyre Chaminade College Preparatory  Donald Dukes Xerox  Bruce Rajswasser

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  Girls  Minority Students  Students with Disabilities  Students with Learning Differences  At Risk Students

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead Today women make up 46% of the work force yet occupy only 19% of the science, engineering and technology work force.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  GirlsHistorically most of the clubs at my school along with the school are all male. with a 20% female population even two members is good. We have to show the other side of robotics, Opportunities for women in technology etc.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations Development of a High School Curriculum The Robotics Team is entering the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition that is taking place during the months of January, February, and April. The first Nautae team was created on The team is lead by seniors who are taking a course called APPLIED ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES AND INTRODUCTORY ROBOTICS. This course introduces students to the process of designing, building and analyzing simple structures and machines, including basic robots. A variety of mechanical, analytical, and computer skills are taught, including computer-aided design, budgeting, model building, structural analysis, problem solving, Boolean algebra, and simple computer programming. The group looks toward careers in engineering and/or architecture. Hands-on experience is a significant part of the course. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and one other Science course. Physics strongly recommended

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations

 Welcome to the season domain of the St. Francis High School Fembots. As resourceful young women, we are leading proponents in the integration of females into the fields of science and technology. FIRST [For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology], in their "gracious professionalism" has given out an all- female team the opportunity to spread our wings in the male-dominant world of technology. We pose an array of curiosity and wonder amidst our community inspired by the endless possibilities of expanding scientific discoveries. We are prepared for competition with a robust all-girl built ‘bot and a team to match. We’re counting down the time ‘till we see you on the field. ~Fembots

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations

Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…. Actually three years ago in the year of 2003, under the reign of the dark force of the man formerly known as Prince, a bunch of teenage girls decided upon the idea of joining the league of FIRST Robotics to create a robot capable of fighting the Darkness. Enlisting assistance from the nearby do-gooders of the California Institute of Technology, these young women were able to build a robot with the greatest fighting force that anyone could ever conceive. This robot made in the year of 2003, was able to prove the abilities of these young girls to create a robot, which illustrated the thinking power of young women, breaking down the common stereotype of young boys who are “generally” conceived to build these robotic objects.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  Minority Students –Inclusion –Doors that are opened for students who may not have had opportunities in engineering. –Team work and problem solving. –Working with positive role models.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  Students with Learning Disabilities. What is most apparent is how the FLL "attracts" those with learning difficulties - the dyslexics, those who are on the autistic spectrum, those with visual stress, and also the "gifted and talented" who find conventional school and getting along with the "normal kids" difficult. It has been a privilege to work with these girls and see their talents and confidence unfold. It has meant so much to these kids and for many it has become an overwhelming passion in their lives.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  Everyone wants to be the driver or the superstar how do we show them what teamwork is and how it is so very important to the task at hand? –Fundraising –Public Relations –Team Identity –Cheering Section –Animation –CAD –Web Design

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  How do we keep the Diverse team intact for so many months? –What are examples of off season events and activities for teams to participate in? Workshop, local scrimmage, work with FLL teams, fund raising, local Open House Events.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  How do we make our students realize the importance of the opportunities there is for participation? –Scholarships –Mentors –Trips to local industry where robotics and technology is being used.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  How do we take our diversity and let it work to our advantage? –Celebrate team accomplishments. –Take part in community events. –Team dinners. –Involve parents. –Scholarships.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  There are currently more than $8,000,000.oo in FIRST for students to attend college to study engineering.  So often scholarships go unclaimed.  Need to work with students who were not planning to go to college to familiarize them with the process.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  The Robotics Team was founded in the school year with the desire to bring together a wide range of student skills into a complex and real world project. The vision was to bring together students with design and art skills, welding and metal skills, and computer and engineering skills, where every skill was equally valued. With the help of Newark Memorial High School, the students created a functional robot and successfully competed in the 2002 FIRST Robotics Competition in San Jose, earning a Rookie Team award. Since that time, the robotics team has worked to design and develop robots that meet the specific needs of the annual robotics competition

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  The New VEX Program offers opportunities to schools that need to join FIRST on a smaller scale.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations  Girls view science and math as difficult.  Girls view science and math “more for boys.”  Girls view science and math as impersonal.

Attracting and Retaining Diverse Student Populations Get Girls Involved : Encourage girls to enroll in after-school computer, science, math programs and clubs. Visit businesses and companies where math, science and technology are used. Find female scientists as role models. Work in small groups using cooperation as a basis for the task. Allow girls to experience the physical world using their senses. Let them touch!