The co-organizers of the Anato-Bee (panel members Hagerty, Mapes, Peterson and Piscura) will discuss the critical shortage of qualified STEMM professionals in the U.S., and in particular, STEMM professionals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented communities. The Anato-Bee, more than a competition - is a national initiative aimed at promoting individual and community health through the lens of the human body and the study of anatomical sciences. The programming is designed for high school students and is facilitated by academic mentors from local and regional colleges and universities. These mentors provide ongoing educational support, assisting students to master health-relevant content that promotes knowledge and skills important in succeeding in health-related academic and professional contexts. Tuition stipends to attend STEMM summer opportunities are provided to students that have been the most successful in their efforts with content engagement. At the completion of these summer programs participants are interviewed to ascertain programming elements that promote science identity, self-efficacy and agency in high school student populations. These findings shared with educational stakeholders can be incorporated throughout the broader STEMM pathways and bridge programs network. We also systematically track outcomes related to student motivation, self-belief, hope, civic engagement, and pursuit of STEMM pathways. By investing in youth and enabling communities to lead educational changes, this project aligns with the ASPBP’s mission to advance equity and justice in education. We aim to position STEMM education as a catalyst for individual transformation and lasting community empowerment.
 

Central Research Questions: 

• How does participation in the Anato-Bee initiative influence students’ motivation, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging in STEMM?
• In what ways does the Anato-Bee foster hope and future-oriented thinking among students from historically excluded communities?
• How does involvement in the Anato-Bee affect students’ civic engagement and their perceptions of their role within their communities?
• How do collaborative, community-based elements of the Anato-Bee contribute to students’ pursuit of STEMM educational opportunities and persistence to STEMM careers after high school?
• What curricular design elements of STEMM summer programs promote science identity, self-efficacy and agency in underserved high school students?

Panelists will discuss the process, products, and current research projects resulting from the creation of the Anato-Bee initiative. Additionally, two high school student participants that were top placing regional competition winners will discuss their perspectives on the academic and pre-matriculation benefits of Anato-Bee participation and challenges of pursuing STEMM degrees and careers.