An NSF-funded partnership between Cornell University and the University of Minnesota, Style Engineers uses hands-on activities to introduce young people ages 10 to 15 to smart clothing and STEM through their interest in fashion.
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The project strategy is to engage girls in STEM concepts and emerging technologies through informal learning outside of school. Hands-on, collaborative, and relevant real-world activities such as the ones we have developed for Style Engineers are known to improve how girls develop STEM identities, build confidence, and become motivated to pursue STEM-related learning and future careers.
We have always understood that the creation of clothing is a complex activity. Creating garments that fit well on a variety of body sizes and shapes using materials with vastly different properties ranging from filmy silk chiffon to stout leather; garments that keep us comfortable, move with us, and look great –this takes a depth of understanding that is unrivaled for any other product design. The engineer who builds a bridge on solid ground has a simple task compared to ours! With our desire to introduce a new generation of young people to the real excitement of fashion design Style Engineers was born from this understanding, coupled. A grant from the National Science Foundation helped make this a reality, with an initial three years of development, testing, and having fun with the great youngsters who participated in our pilot programs.
Funded by National Science Foundation (grant 1139466)
