The ability for youth to see themselves as creators and inventors translates into seeing themselves as engineers, computer scientists, chemists, physicists, mathematicians, and so on. Learning how to use technology as a tool can change the course of their lives, and the lives of their families, by giving them access to a healthy lifestyle that includes wealth, stable housing, the ability to afford proper healthcare, and a lessened exposure to violence. Allowing non-dominant youth to discover what they are capable of creating is giving them the power to change their lives. “You can’t be what you can’t see.” For youth to bring the fullness of who they are and creatively can be, cultural resonance can be influential. Having their values, experiences, and interests represented can play a role in increasing confidence, as well as create a space of belonging and inclusivity. This can redefine the identity of a career in STEM and defy any hindering stereotypes associated with the field. In this symposium we'll discuss and share experiences about encouraging non-dominant youth to bring their full selves into STEM, while giving them examples of what's possible.
