Phase 1: Foundation and Confidence Building (12wks)
The program begins with a strong foundation that focuses on building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. This phase includes workshops on personal goal-setting, time management, and financial literacy to help participants establish a stable footing. Participants also explore career pathways within STEM and learn about the program’s resources, including access to childcare, transportation assistance, and flexible scheduling. By addressing potential barriers upfront, this phase ensures that participants are equipped to focus on their learning and growth.
Goal: Introduce girls and women with a special focus on single mothers to STEM fields through accessible, hands-on courses that focus on basic digital literacy, career exploration, and personal development. This phase also includes building a supportive community and addressing personal challenges faced by single mothers entering the workforce.
Workshops and Courses:
Digital Literacy and Basic Computer Skills
Learn fundamental computer skills, including using the internet, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and email. Build comfort with basic computer usage, essential for any STEM career to help master basic digital tools and applications and build participant confidence in technology usage.
Introduction to STEM: What’s Possible?
What exactly is STEM?
Math for Everyday Life and Career Success
Basic math skills, focusing on practical applications like budgeting, measuring, and data interpretation. This course will help participants gain confidence in using math for daily tasks and career-related activities to improve numeracy skills that are foundational for more advanced STEM learning.
Time Management for Single Mothers
Teach essential time management and organization skills for balancing family, work, and learning. This course will equip participants with tools to manage busy schedules and prioritize tasks effectively and develop a personalized time management plan that works around family obligations and personal goals.
Basic Financial Literacy and STEM Career Planning
Understanding personal finance (budgeting, saving, and investing) and the financial benefits of STEM careers. This course will provide financial planning tools to help participants achieve economic stability through STEM opportunities to develop a clear understanding of budgeting and how STEM careers can offer financial security.
Introduction to Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through simple, practical exercises. This course will lay the groundwork for STEM problem-solving by helping participants approach challenges methodically to improve confidence in handling complex tasks and solving real-world problems.
Confidence Building through Public Speaking and Communication
Learn public speaking, communication techniques, and how to overcome anxiety when speaking in group settings. This course will empower participants to articulate their ideas and present themselves confidently and will enhance communication skills, which are vital for career growth and leadership roles.
Exploring Work-Life Balance in STEM Careers
Learn strategies for managing a career in STEM while maintaining family responsibilities. This course will teach participants how to navigate career and family demands without feeling overwhelmed and support them in developing a customized action plan for balancing personal and professional lives in STEM careers.
Introduction to Digital Tools and Online Learning Platforms
Navigate online learning platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, and other remote work tools. This class will prepare participants for remote learning and online STEM opportunities and improve their comfort in using digital tools for both learning and potential remote work environments.
Building a Support Network: Peer Groups and Mentorship
This workshop focuses on forming peer support groups and finding mentors within the program in effort to create a community of support, so participants feel connected and encouraged resulting in established support systems with peers and mentors for ongoing encouragement as they move forward in their careers.
Introduction to Simple DIY Projects and Maker Skills
Basic hands-on projects, such as making simple crafts, electronics, or household solutions. This course will help participants build confidence by completing small STEM-related projects using accessible materials resulting in completed projects that show the practical applications of STEM in everyday life.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in STEM
Address the emotional and psychological barriers that women often face when entering male-dominated fields. This course will help participants recognize their worth and potential in pursuing a STEM career resulting in improved self-esteem and. amore positive mindset toward personal success in STEM fields.
Intro to Robotics for Beginners (Exploratory)
A fun, introductory robotics session to inspire interest in technology. This course will expose participants to basic robotics concepts, using easy-to-learn kits like LEGO Mindstorms resulting in hands-on experience with robotics to spark interest in future technology courses.
Intro to Robotics for Beginners (Exploratory)
A fun, introductory robotics session to inspire interest in technology. This course will expose participants to basic robotics concepts, using easy-to-learn kits like LEGO Mindstorms resulting in hands-on experience with robotics to spark interest in future technology courses.
Personal Goal Setting and Career Visioning
Help participants define their personal goals, career ambitions, and long-term vision for success. This course will provide a framework for women to visualize and work toward their future STEM careers resulting in written personal goals and a career vision board to guide their journey through the program.
Networking and Navigating the STEM Job Market
Introduce participants to networking strategies and basic job search skills in STEM. This course will teach participants how to use LinkedIn, attend networking events, and start building a professional network resulting in the creation of LinkedIn profiles and participation in introductory networking exercises.
Exploring the Internet of Things (IoT)
Introduction to how everyday devices (e.g., smart homes, wearables) are connected through the Internet. This course will offer an early look at tech trends in IoT and the opportunities in this growing field resulting in participant’s understanding the role of technology in daily life and how IoT innovations can lead to career opportunities.
Health and Wellness for Career Success
Teaching self-care and wellness strategies for balancing health, family, and career responsibilities. This course will provide participants with tools to manage stress, nutrition, and overall well-being resulting in participants creating a personal wellness plan integrated with their career ambitions.
Phase 1 focuses on confidence building, digital literacy, personal development, and introducing participants to STEM concepts. With this strong start, participants will be prepared to move on to more specialized technical training and career preparation in later phases.
