Students with disabilities (SWDs) are less likely to establish themselves successfully in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. Researchers have identified barriers to participation in STEM, including deficits in mathematics and science, executive functioning skills, self-efficacy, and lack of exposure to STEM experiences. Researchers found students who participate in STEM clubs have higher grades in STEM content areas, have better attitudes toward school, and are more likely to graduate. This study aimed to understand student and parent perceptions about the influences and challenges to participation in STEM clubs. The researchers used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design that began with a survey, followed by focus groups and interviews with parents and SWDs. We identified four salient meta-themes regarding what influences students to join and stay in a STEM club: fun and the subject matter, social and peer interactions, parent and teacher initiative, and a “semblance of normal.” In addition, we identified meta-themes on the barriers for SWDs to join and stay in STEM clubs. These include being a good fit, having no student interest, others not making accommodations, and overwhelmed parents. The researchers conclude with implications for educators to make STEM clubs more inclusive.

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If you are on social media, specifically Twitter, you might have heard about the Super Cool Scientists project that sprung up as a result of conversations about the underrepresentation of women in the sciences for young people. As a result of that conversation, Sara MacSorley and Yvonne Page took up the challenge and created the Super Cool Scientists coloring book, a 60-page paperback that introduces the "reader" to a wide range of women in all branches of sciencewomen that look like them, come from their hometowns, and have incredible stories to share. Each pair of pages includes hand-drawn illustrations of the scientists in their natural "habitat," whether that be in the field, the lab, or elsewhere.

In 2016 Georgia Southern University Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education (i 2 STEM e) was approached by a collaborative group of educators from India now living in the US. They noticed a need for teachers in India to have access to the Interdisciplinary STEM Education pedagogical techniques through focused professional development. Over the course of the next two years, the partnership developed and in September 2016 the first group of educators in India was given a professional development opportunity around the concepts of Authentic Teaching, including place-based education, problem based learning, and project based learning. This paper will discuss the approach the educators delivering the professional development took, the barriers and successes to implementing professional development in a new cultural setting, and the next steps to be taken. It is hoped that this information will provide future providers of PD, who are working outside their country of residence, with insights and ideas on working with a culturally different and diverse educational setting.

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