Seeds of Success: STEMM Ambassadors Program is a NIH-funded initiative (R25GM146264) aimed at empowering middle school (6th - 8th grade) students in the Greater New Haven area by introducing them to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Through hands-on educational activities, leadership workshops, and mentorship from women in STEMM, participants are encouraged to explore STEMM fields, cultivate leadership skills, and become STEMM Ambassadors within their communities. The program fosters a strong sense of identity and confidence in STEMM while supporting participants in developing outreach projects that positively impact their schools and neighborhoods.
The program was originally launched in Puerto Rico in 2015 through the non-profit organization Ciencia Puerto Rico. As of 2024, under the leadership of Dr. Giovanna Guerrero-Medina and Dr. Greetchen Díaz, 6 cohorts of 663 students have participated in Puerto Rico, and they in turn have impacted over 96,700 people through their STEMM Ambassadors projects. The program demonstrates significant improvements in participants’ STEM attitudes and science identity, as well as in their self-perception as a leader, confidence in their ability to succeed in science, knowledge about STEM careers and opportunities, and access to STEM role models. Read our latest publication!
