The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded funding to New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to lead a new project focused on countering the notion that boys are naturally better at science and math—a stereotype that silently shapes girls’ perceptions of their own abilities in these areas of study. The Leadership and iSTEAM for Females in Elementary School (LiFE) project strived to reverse this trend by finding effective ways to showcase science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as a collaborative, innovative, people-rich space. NJIT conducted the project with the Hillside, Morris Plains, and Weehawken school districts in New Jersey. The project investigated mechanisms to increase the number of women interested in and pursuing STEM pathways. For the project, CESP served as the external evaluator. We conducted process and outcome evaluation-related research activities to improve program implementation and assess the effects of the program on teacher beliefs and perceptions, student engagement, and group processes. To foster effective practices, the evaluation team integrated into many areas of the project, gathering data and informing the project team about needs and effective practices, sharing successes, and improving effectiveness.
Timeline
This project began in 2018 and concluded in 2021.
Sponsorship
This project was conducted with a grant from the National Science Foundation through the " INCLUDES" program [award# 1744490] to the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Rutgers CESP was externally contracted for evaluation services.
Project Leaders & Key Personnel
Principal Investigator: Dr. Bruce Bukiet, Ph.D.
External Evaluator: Dr. Cynthia L. Blitz, Ph.D.
Collaborating Organizations
New Jersey Institute of Technology (grant recipient)