Upcoming events for the Breaking Barriers project
How can you help your children discover their talent for science, technology, engineering and mathematics?
The STEM Subject Guidance Helpdesk, an initiative for parents promoted by the Mondo Digitale Foundation as part of the Breaking Barriers project, with the support of Google.org, is back.
The goal is clear: to inform and raise awareness among families about the strategic importance of STEM subjects, which are fundamental for tomorrow's professional opportunities and for the development of critical and creative thinking from primary school onwards.
The programme consists of a series of interactive online meetings, designed for parents of children aged between 6 and 14, to help them overcome gender stereotypes and cultural prejudices that are still too deeply rooted.
The trainers
The meetings are led by two young professionals who have built original and exciting careers in STEM.
Lara Forgione is a virtual reality experience developer who has turned her passion for technology into a creative and pioneering career.
Elisa Chierchiello, a young research fellow at the University of Turin (Generative AI and the Creative Industries), tells her story: "After studying at a classical high school, I decided to pursue a completely different career. I have a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and I love technology, which I have always seen as an unbeatable enemy. I am here to prove that nothing is impossible if you really want it, and I am proud of the future I am building for myself'.
Two authentic and accessible role models who offer parents a concrete and inspiring glimpse into the possibilities opened up by careers in science and technology.
First event
4 September, from 5 to 6 p.m.
Webinar for parents with children in primary and lower secondary school
Topic: How to recognise and nurture the STEM interests and passions of children and pre-teens
To participate: register on the Zoom platform
When does the gender gap in STEM arise?
A recent study published in Nature (Rapid emergence of a maths gender gap in first grade, Martinot et al., 2025) analysed the results of over 2.6 million children in France, finding that the gap between girls and boys in mathematical skills emerges as early as the first months of primary school, even though they start from identical levels.
It is the implicit mechanisms of the educational environment that generate the gap. This is why it is essential to involve families right from the start, helping them to recognise stereotypes, value each child's talents and support a more inclusive, cooperative and critical thinking-oriented approach to teaching.
A more inclusive school also starts with a more aware family. A passion for STEM can also be developed at home.
