How Schools Can Inspire More Girls to Choose STEM < Back 2026-08-26 By Ampersand Group Practical learning, strong role models and inclusive classrooms help more girls view STEM as a future worth choosing. In this article, you'll learn: Make STEM visible from the early years Make STEM learning hands-on Bring real STEM role models into view Challenge stereotypes in the classroom Connect subjects with real careers Create a culture of possibilities An early interest in STEM can begin in many ways: solving a math problem, building a model, writing code, or asking why something works. For girls, these experiences matter because confidence grows through participation, questions and challenges. Yet many still see STEM as individual subjects rather than fields worth pursuing. Closing the gender gap in STEM means looking closely at classroom experiences. In fact, UNESCO reports that women make up just 35% of STEM graduates globally, showing that underrepresentation in STEM education can continue into STEM careers. This makes early exposure crucial, allowing girls to see STEM as relevant and open to them. Make STEM visible from the early years Confidence increases through familiarity. When girls take part in experiments, robotics, design challenges or coding for kids programmes, technical subjects become less intimidating. Schools can introduce science for students through familiar situations. Water conservation can involve measurement and data. A classroom garden can bring biology to life. A coding task can teach logic and problem-solving. These experiences strengthen 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and adaptability. Early exposure can influence later subject and career choices. Make STEM learning hands-on Understanding a concept is one thing; using it is another. Experiential learning gives students the chance to test ideas, make changes and learn from results. Schools can plan STEM classroom activities around real questions. Teams might build a bridge model, design a water filter, measure air quality or sketch an app. Teachers can also use science fair ideas linked to local issues. Hands-on work gives girls room to lead, troubleshoot and contribute ideas. It also makes mistakes useful and encourages another attempt. Bring real STEM role models into view It is easier to picture a future when you can see someone like yourself doing the work. Representation in STEM matters in textbooks, classroom examples, guest sessions and career conversations. Schools can introduce women working as engineers, scientists, researchers, architects, doctors, data analysts and technology professionals. Alumni can help because their journeys feel closer to students. Conversations around women in STEM education should go beyond famous pioneers. UNICEF notes that STEM education can challenge gender norms and help girls move from education into technical STEM careers. Giving girls greater exposure to these pathways can make future opportunities easier to picture. Challenge stereotypes in the classroom Some barriers are easy to miss. Boys may take charge of equipment during group work. Girls may hold back unless they are certain. Teachers may direct technical questions towards students who already appear confident. Schools can rotate leadership roles, balance participation and make sure every student can operate tools, write code, present findings and explain decisions. When girls are trusted with challenging work, STEM begins to feel less like someone else's territory. Connect subjects with real careers Students can study science, maths or technology without knowing where those subjects might lead. Career guidance makes that connection clearer. Schools can introduce STEM careers through talks, mentoring, workplace visits and interactions with universities or industry professionals. Students should also hear about careers in science and technology beyond familiar choices, including cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, data science and environmental research. A paper published by OECD has examined why fewer girls expect to pursue science careers, including the role of educational experiences and career expectations. This makes STEM education for future careers an important part of school guidance. Create a culture of possibilities Supporting girls in STEM cannot rest on a single workshop, competition, or annual science day. It depends on what students experience throughout school: who gets encouraged, whose ideas are heard and who is trusted with difficult problems. Innovation in education can help schools rethink these experiences. Practical learning, fair participation, visible role models and career guidance can strengthen future-ready skills while widening the choices girls feel able to make. When curiosity and problem-solving become part of everyday learning, more girls can see STEM as a realistic option for further study and work. ALSO READ: The Shift from Traditional Teaching to Experiential Learning FAQs 1. What are the benefits of STEM education for girls? It develops problem-solving, creativity, digital confidence and teamwork while opening pathways to diverse STEM careers. 2. How can schools support girls in science? Schools can support girls through hands-on learning, role models, equal participation, encouragement and career guidance. 3. What does the gender gap in STEM look like? It appears across education and careers, influenced by stereotypes, confidence gaps, access and limited representation.