Science Cheerleaders Redefine STEM for young women
February 23, 2024
Pennsylvania US-based non-profit, The Science Cheerleaders, is on a mission to increase interest and participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs – while also challenging stereotypes about cheerleaders and scientists. With a membership of over 300 women, the organization brings together current and former NFL, NBA and college cheerleaders who have pursued careers in STEM. Through various public appearances, including staging interactive citizen science activities, they cheer on young women who might be dreaming of careers in Science.
As stated on its website, the Science Cheerleaders “leverage girls’ interests in fun and familiar activities, primarily cheerleading (and dance), by leading science-themed cheers and hands-on STEM learning opportunities to diffuse the intimidation and increase the approachability of STEM in events across the nation.” The group will be performing tomorrow at STEM Girl Day at the University of Texas, Austin, presented by Women in STEM, for an audience of elementary and middle school students, families and educators.
“STEM Gap” research shows that women make up only 34% of the STEM workforce, and men vastly outnumber women majoring in STEM fields in university. Girls have fewer role models to inspire their interest in these fields, seeing limited examples of female scientists and engineers in books, media and popular culture. There are even fewer Black women role models in math and science.
Former Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader and current Arizona State University professor and scientist, Darlene Cavalier, founded Science Cheerleaders in 2010, taking inspiration from her blog of the same name. She soon stumbled upon NFL and NBA cheerleaders who shared the same passion for STEM careers, and the connection quickly blossomed into a catchy way to market women’s valuable contributions to science. Cavalier feels there is huge potential to identify crossover interest.
“An estimated 3 million young women and men are involved in cheerleading in the US,” she states in her Science of Cheerleading ebook. “We hope this book helps them understand the science, technology, engineering and math inherent in cheerleading. Once they grasp those STEM concepts using something familiar (cheer), they can apply the principles to other things and achieve a greater understanding of how the world works.”
Cheerleading is shown as a tool for people to express themselves, form bonds and motivate others to use their voices to make a difference in STEM industries. Driven by the motto of “Inspire! Engage! Empower!” they’re cheering women on to move away from the scientific sidelines one event at a time. So far, the Science Cheerleaders have led public campaigns and have guest lectured at schools and universities. They lead science-themed cheers and hands-on STEM learning opportunities at events across the country to reduce intimidation and make STEM more accessible.
One of their most exciting new partnerships is with Pop Warner, the country’s leading youth football, cheerleading and dance program. “Pop Warner Youth Cheerleaders are leaders and disciplined athletes involved in rigorous training,” observes Cavalier. “Science Cheerleaders demonstrate how these qualities can lead to successful science and technology careers in the future.”
Other Science Cheerleader highlights include working on Emmy award-winning video series The Science of NFL Football, in partnership with NBC Sports, NBC learn, the NFL and the National Science Foundation. They’ve received speaking invitations from the illustrious likes of NASA and the White House, and have even sent samples to space as part of a space microbial super bowl aboard the International Space Station.
Science cheerleaders demonstrate to many young women that they do not have to sacrifice their hobbies in order to be taken seriously. In fact, by challenging limiting gender stereotypes, the squad of Science Cheerleaders playfully show that mental and physical agility are good combinations.