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Women in STEM: Fab Academy-Based Learning Between Latin America and Africa

  • Pablo C. Herrera
  • , MacArena Valenzuela-Zubiaur
  • , Vaneza Caycho
  • , Mari Lú Pineda-Gutierrez
  • , Marcela Duharte
  • Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana
  • Interactive Furniture
  • Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas
  • Universidad Iberoamericana de Puebla

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We analyzed the ecosystem of the global online STEM program Fab Academy, which graduated 1,697 students in 63 countries between 2009 and 2025 in the Northern (49%) and Southern (51%) Hemispheres. We characterized the profiles of female graduates from Latin America and Africa, regions that gave rise to the Fab Academy-based learning model but show a lower-than-average percentage of women. We identified differences in profiles linked to Architecture and the Built Environment, and Creative Arts (Latin America) and engineering (Africa), with STEM development in the academic context (Latin America) and the industrial context (Africa). Despite its challenges, Fab Lab-based learning demonstrates its impact on women linked to STEM with a model that continues to promote entrepreneurship and management by women in this globalized program.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEDUNINE 2026 - 10th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference
Subtitle of host publicationThe Role of Engineering and Computer Technology as Artificial Intelligence turns into Reality: A Challenge for Professional Education, Proceedings
EditorsClaudio da Rocha Brito, Melany M. Ciampi
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9798331550974
DOIs
StatePublished - 2026
Event10th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference, EDUNINE 2026 - Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: 8 Mar 202611 Mar 2026

Publication series

NameEDUNINE 2026 - 10th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference: The Role of Engineering and Computer Technology as Artificial Intelligence turns into Reality: A Challenge for Professional Education, Proceedings

Conference

Conference10th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference, EDUNINE 2026
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityMexico City
Period8/03/2611/03/26

Keywords

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fab Lab
  • Global South
  • STEM
  • Women

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