E3: Nevada's "Desert Pipeline" to STEM
Enriching Explorations in Engineering (E3 ) is a "Desert Pipeline" to Engineering in STEM education. Its purpose is to diversify, provide equity, and ensure inclusion within the engineering workforce. E3 provides STEM pathways in trades, careers and opportunities in the armed forces. Students in grades 7th - 12th participate in research and experiential learning centered around real-world concerns. Instructional content and strategies for learning are culturally relevant.
E3 provides students opportunities to learn engineering concepts through the use of drones, coding, gaming (eSports), and cybersecurity. This process bridges the gap between theory and being an advocate for change. Through exploration and application of knowledge, students learn new/various concepts that help them to become innovative engineers.
E3 provides students opportunities to learn engineering concepts through the use of drones, coding, gaming (eSports), and cybersecurity. This process bridges the gap between theory and being an advocate for change. Through exploration and application of knowledge, students learn new/various concepts that help them to become innovative engineers.
The Importance of Ensuring Underrepresented Groups are Included in STEM
Minorities and females are underrepresented groups in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Increasing the number of learning opportunities for underrepresented groups (race, gender, etc.) will provide more diversity in STEM opportunities (college majors, careers, trades and armed forces). Disparities in STEM exposure and experience is a challenge to the STEM education system.
According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) and National Science Foundation (NSF), minorities (Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native) and females are underrepresented in the areas of Science and Engineering (S&E). Factors that cause this underrepresentation include but are not limited to:
Science & Engineering (S&E) representation breakdown based on the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau
Data retrieved from the National Science Foundation, State of U.S. Science and Engineering Indicators (2020)
According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) and National Science Foundation (NSF), minorities (Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native) and females are underrepresented in the areas of Science and Engineering (S&E). Factors that cause this underrepresentation include but are not limited to:
- Lack of exposure to STEM curriculum
- Inequitable use of funds for STEM education (lower income areas vs. higher income areas)
- Sociocultural factors
- Academic Self-Efficacy
Science & Engineering (S&E) representation breakdown based on the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau
- Underrepresented minorities - 35%
- Women - 34%
- Blacks - 8.5%
- Hispanic - 14.2%
- Asian - 9.3%
- Native Hawaiian/Island Pacific - 0.2%
- American Indian/Alaskan Native - 0.4%
- More than one race - 2.1%
- Females - 29%
Data retrieved from the National Science Foundation, State of U.S. Science and Engineering Indicators (2020)