September 2024 NEWSLETTER

Full STEAM Forward is dedicated to promoting equity in science education by engaging girls of color, from underserved communities, in STEAM enrichment programs designed to foster a sustained passion for the sciences.

Joni Bessler

CEO, Full STEAM Forward

Five Key Audit Findings:

Our FSF Girls.....

• Have Increased Positive Attitudes Towards Science
• Have a Better Developed Understanding of Science
• Academically Outperform their Peers in Science
• Love Our Program
• Demonstrate an Impact Beyond the Program Itself

Source: Data gathered from Fall 2021 to Spring 2024; spanning grades three through five; includes over 100 pre- and post-program assessments, surveys, interviews, and letters.

#1. Full STEAM Forward Increases Positive Attitudes Towards Science

Our results show that we're reversing typical trends in attitudes among girls of color by increasing their enthusiasm towards science and increasing interest in careers in STEM.

Students' attitudes towards science were measured by analyzing their responses to the My Attitudes Towards Science Survey (MATS) before and after each year of the program.

These findings show that the longer students are in the program, the more likely they are to develop deeper, more salient and positive dispositions toward science--further supporting our multi-year curriculum.

#2. FSF Leads to a More Fully Developed Understanding of Science

Students who participate in Full STEAM Forward show a more developed understanding of the nature of science and how scientific knowledge is produced. Our programs helps them move away from traditional misconceptions, which begin early and are often challenging to shift. 

These findings are important since a well developed Nature of Science understanding improves scientific literacy and impacts a student's ability to consume, analyze, and participate in scientific discourse, which are important skills for the future.

#3. FSF Girls Academically Outperform their Peers in Science

We compared the final average science scores of students in our program with classmates who were not. The table includes grades for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls, across four of our partner schools.

These findings show that students in FSF are outperforming their peers in school.

#4. Our Girls Love the Program!

FSF students report immense enjoyment in the program, which is reflected in their smiling faces, enthusiastic responses during class, and their commitment to showing up. 

Through surveys, we found that:

• 97% of students would like to return to the program for the following year
• 90% of students would recommend this program to other girls
• 80% of students who begin the program stay with us for the entire year

Our retention rates are nearly 20% higher than other STEM programs. 

#5. Full STEAM Forward's Impact Extends Beyond Our Program

We have been delighted to see joy, curiosity, and authentic science learning experiences transcend the Full STEAM Forward classroom.

From Our Students and Families:

• Student: “I’m more connected to science and I feel like I’m more inspired to pursue a field in science (astronomy)!”
• Student: “It helped build my confidence with science, especially going back to school. It helped me apply skills I learned.”
• Parent: "She started to like science and put more effort into her work [at school]...she especially enjoyed doing the experiments which helped her grow and see the world in a new light."
• Parent: “She loves to tell me what she has learned.”
• Parent: “This program shows them that [science] is possible, and that is an option for them.”

From Our Teachers:

• 3rd Grade Teacher: “This program has reminded me why I love teaching so much…I have learned so much working with this program and take ideas into my own class at school.”

From Our Partners:

• Kenya Director: “The program has resulted in positive changes in the girls’ attitudes towards science subjects, attracting more students to the school and enhancing enrollment.” 

At Full STEAM Forward we're accomplishing our mission:

To Inspire Girls to Love Science



These results prove that young girls of color can shine in STEM fields if they are invited to actively participate in exciting, hands-on science programs, meet role models, and become a part of a supportive science learning community.

Your support can fuel momentum. Every donation is more than

a financial contribution – it's a vote of confidence in the potential

of every girl to change the world!

Full STEAM Forward's work would not be possible without the financial backing of our sponsors and community partners. Thank you for your support of our mission!