Building Middle School Girls' Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Interest in Math and Science through the Integration of Fashion and STEM

Fashion FUNdamentals (FF), a STEM enrichment program for middle school girls, offers an alternative approach to STEM education by invoking "fashion" as a catalyst to ignite curiosity about STEM. This study explored whether participation in FF enhanced girls' self-efficacy, knowledge, and interest in math and science. At the conclusion of the program, participants in FF demonstrated higher scores on measures of self-efficacy in math and science and knowledge in math. Girls' self-efficacy in math and science positively predicted their interest in STEM. Focus group data revealed that some girls demonstrated enthusiasm for science and acquired science knowledge specific to FF.