Life as a STEM Student” Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation program
The “Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation” program, “Life as a STEM Student,” promoted by the Politecnico di Torino, is an important educational initiative aimed at bridging the gap between high school and university, with a particular focus on STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Designed to bring high school students closer to university, the project consists of five sessions, each addressing a different topic. The goal is to provide tools and knowledge to help students make informed choices about their academic paths, while also promoting greater inclusiveness in the technical-scientific world.
The “Life as a STEM Student” program is structured around five training modules, each lasting two hours, during which participants explore various topics related to engineering and university life. The main objective is to offer an immersive experience that helps students better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with studying STEM subjects, often perceived as difficult or inaccessible, especially for young women. The project aims to help reduce the gender gap in STEM degree enrollments, where women continue to be underrepresented.
Module 1: Engineering and Profession
The program began with an introductory session dedicated to discovering engineering professions. During this module, participants had the opportunity to explore different engineering fields and related career prospects through presentations and direct testimonies. Thanks to the contribution of the WeAreHERe scholarship recipients, the session included presentations on various degree courses, followed by an interactive discussion with professionals from the sector, providing a concrete vision of future possibilities.
Module 2: Creativity in Engineering
The second module took the group on a journey to explore the connection between engineering and creativity, with a visit to the laboratories of the Politecnico’s student teams. The students had the chance to learn about innovative projects and see how personal passions can be integrated into the academic path. The day concluded with a reflection on the challenges of balancing study and extracurricular activities, highlighting the importance of developing cross-disciplinary skills.
Module 3: Inclusive Language and Women in Science
The third module addressed topics related to inclusiveness and gender equality. Through the presentation of the “Blind Inventions” and the exhibition “LE PRIME” dedicated to the first women at the Politecnico, participants reflected on the historical and cultural barriers that women face in STEM careers. The session also emphasized the importance of inclusive language as a tool to promote equity, fostering more mindful and respectful communication of differences.
Module 4: University Life – A Treasure Hunt
To further introduce young people to the university environment, the fourth module featured a treasure hunt through the Politecnico’s spaces. Organized into groups, participants explored the main campus, discovering significant places and solving puzzles related to the history and activities of the university. This experience allowed them to live a day in the life of an engineering student, encouraging interaction and collaboration.
Module 5: Conclusion and Reflection
The program concluded with a final session where the students presented the videos they had created during the activities, sharing their experiences and reflections. This moment of discussion provided an opportunity to assess the progress made, gather feedback, and discuss the importance of projects that promote inclusivity in STEM. The event ended with a casual aperitif, offering an informal opportunity to exchange ideas and impressions.
The “Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation” program, “Life as a STEM Student,” is part of the Politecnico di Torino’s commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity within the technical-scientific disciplines. In a context where the proportion of people with tertiary education in Italy is still below the European average, and where the percentage of STEM graduates is limited, initiatives like this are essential to stimulate interest in academic and professional pathways in these fields. The project has demonstrated the importance of offering educational experiences that not only inform but also inspire, contributing to building a more inclusive and diverse university community.
The Politecnico di Torino will continue to work to break down the barriers that limit access to STEM, ensuring equal opportunities for all and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.
