Case Studies - Inclusive Role Models
In the real world, people do not always fit neatly into categories or groups with simple solutions. The real issues below illustrate some of the ways you might respond to a variety of typical cases.
‘I have just had a group of role models in to talk to pupils - they were all white men over 40! Where can I go for role models that are young, black or female? What do I say when organisations say they haven't got any?’
School Career Coordinator
Advice
A good initial starting point would be to look at your network and any local community resources you know about. Parents and governors are often very willing to help out and come into school and talk to pupils, and they may also have access to role models. Your local Aim Higher initiative may also be able to help.
The websites below give you a wide variety of sources for you to access role models and to read case studies which are relevant to your requirements. Some of the role models will be able to visit an institution (through STEMNET, the UKRC or Windsor Fellowship for example) and some of them, e.g. the Geri Project and WISE are more like case studies. Do ensure when you ask organisations for certain individuals to talk to pupils that you are specific, e.g. I would like two female engineers, aged under 30, to come and talk to a group of Year 11 girls.
Organisations such as STEMNET are keen to use a range of people from different backgrounds so don't be afraid to ask for what you want and to give the STEMNET local broker enough information to work with. Currently (April 2011) 40% of STEM Ambassadors are female, and more than 10% come from BAME backgrounds. People requesting STEM Ambassadors are able to specify the gender and background of the role models they require. If they are unable to help, why not try other organisations such as your local Chamber of Commerce who may be able to put you in touch with appropriate role models?
There are other organisations who can help with specific career areas, for example the Royal Institute of British Architects has the Architects for Change programme.
Useful websites
www.stemnet.org.uk. Click on Ambassadors.
www.windsor-fellowship.org Home page and click on REACH National Role Models Programme and Pre-19 Programmes
www.wisecampaign.org.uk Click Inspirational Women