How does social cognitive theory relate to gender disparity in STEM?

As a student in ACEL’s Agricultural Communication Theory and Practice course during the spring of 2020, I had the opportunity to select a current issue of interest and from there look at the communication dilemmas surrounding the issue and suggest various communication theories to address the said problem. Gender equality is an ongoing concern worldwide

The Road to a P.h.D.

Statement of Purpose submitted to The Ohio State University It was a simple conversation, where a 4-H member was asking for guidance in making one of the biggest decisions of her life. She was fearful and was allowing the barriers of financial burdens and distance from family stand between her and the next chapter of

From Educator II to Educator III

A highlight of my time as 4-H Youth Development Educator with The Ohio State University Extension from January 2017 through April 2020. Educator works collaboratively with county, center, areas and state teams of OSU Extension professionals and with local agency leaders and volunteers to provide leadership for 4-H Youth Development programming targeted local and area

4-H World Changers for Middle & High School Girls

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. Through self-chosen projects, kids are paired with mentors and given opportunities to lead. These projects and experiences bring out their potential, their passions, and their drive to help others as we empower them to become true leaders. So what better way to help close the

Data Visualization to Support Junior Fair Decisions in Light of Covid-19

The novel coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the world over the past year. The 4-H Youth Development program has been uniquely affected. Overcoming the obstacles of Covid-19 left many public leaders and policy makers scrambling for a responsible plan to protect the health and safety of 4-H participants, families, and spectators. The Marion County (Co.)

The UnThunkable: Teaching Middle School and High School Girls Programming During a Pandemic

During COVID-19 and the time of ultimate screen time fatigue, why would anyone want to add another virtual experience to the calendar? Because the mission to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does daily, doesn’t stop. I recognized the need after receiving much positive

Leadership Beliefs

The first chapter in Dugan’s (2017), “Leadership Theory: Cultivating Critical Perspective” is titled, “The Evolving Nature of Leadership.” Leadership is just that—evolving. Leadership is like a perspective. Although core values may not change drastically, perspective is conducive to change depending on various accomplishments and challenges faced throughout life. Heifetz stated, “the exercise and even the

Are you a Computational Thinker?

Computational thinking is a method of problem solving that helps computer scientists prepare problems for digital solutions. But, it can be practiced in a variety of ways—beyond computer science! Participants will learn how they are computational thinkers, how these practices fit into other activities, and how to develop computational thinking practices with youth. Limited to:

Breaking the Barriers of Gender Disparities in STEM Through Positive Youth Development

Gender equality in education is an ongoing concern worldwide and specifically in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Because of sociocultural stereotypes associate STEM with males, the perception acts as a barrier that prevents females from developing and pursuing an interest in STEM (Master & Meltzoff, 2017). Many young women are missing the opportunity

Cracking the Code: Engaging Girls in STEM

Gender equality in education is an ongoing concern worldwide and specifically in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Because of sociocultural stereotypes associate STEM with males, the perception acts as a barrier that prevents females from developing and pursing an interest in STEM (Master & Meltzoff, 2017). Many young women are missing the opportunity