Leaders and advocates of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) take learning beyond just the academics offered in the classroom. Through TryEngineering, IEEE Volunteers are able to make STEM outreach projects a reality that reach school-aged children around the world. TryEngineering empowers educators and supports volunteers by providing STEM resources, including peer-reviewed lesson plans, at no cost. The IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program offers the opportunity for financial support to start, sustain, or scale selected STEM outreach projects in local communities. In 2025, 58 programs were selected as STEM grant recipients.
One of these programs was SHELeads – A STEM Initiative for Women, which was organized by the IEEE Student Branch and IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group at Panimalar Engineering College, and reached 300 girl students across three schools in Chennai. The program focused on inspiring young students by providing practical exposure to foundational and emerging STEM disciplines through structured, activity based learning. Participants engaged in a coding session, learned to create websites using Google Sites, and were then introduced to artificial intelligence concepts and tools like ChatGPT. They further developed digital literacy in a Web Development workshop using WordPress. The curriculum also included a session on Communication Skills, featuring interactive games to enhance teamwork and confidence. Students explored drone components and designed basic robots in the Robotics/Drone module. The program concluded with practical experiments in Science in Kitchen and Engineering Everyday Items, using household materials to demonstrate scientific principles. This comprehensive approach effectively combined technology, science, communication, and creativity to empower young students in a supportive learning environment.
After the program, TryEngineering was able to conduct an interview with the program’s leaders:
What inspired you to create your program and get involved with STEM outreach at the pre-university level?
The inspiration behind creating this program came from the need to make STEM more accessible for those who often have limited exposure to hands-on technology activities at the pre-university level. We wanted to bridge this gap by introducing modern tools such as AI, robotics, and web development in a way that feels friendly, engaging, and confidence building. Seeing how early encouragement can shape a student’s interest and career choices, our team felt motivated to design interactive sessions that spark curiosity and help them realize that STEM is not only achievable, but exciting and empowering. Our goal was to create an environment where students can explore, experiment, and discover their abilities without hesitation.
How did you measure the program’s impact?
The program’s success was evaluated through student feedback, participation levels, and observed engagement during activities. Facilitators noted students’ enthusiasm in hands-on tasks, teamwork, and ability to independently use technology tools. Teachers also provided positive feedback, highlighting improved student confidence and communication skills. One student shared: “I never knew I could build a website on my own. Now I want to learn more about coding!”
The data revealed:
- 82% of students reported an increased likelihood of pursuing a STEM related field in the future.
- 88% felt more confident using technology after participating in the coding, AI, and robotics activities.
- 91% enjoyed hands-on tasks, particularly robotics, drone demonstrations, and science in kitchen experiments.
- 85% indicated that communication activities helped them speak more confidently.
SHELeads – A STEM Initiative for Women was a recipient of the 2025 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program and funded by the IEEE Women In Engineering.