Building Confidence in STEM: How Mentorship is Changing the Game

At Building Bridges, Inc., we believe that confidence is just as important as knowledge when it comes to pursuing a future in STEM. This belief was brought to life on March 9, 2026, when we had the opportunity to present our work at the Annual American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Conference. Representing our team, our intern Trey Clark presented a research poster titled: “Strengthening STEM Confidence in Girls Through Mentorship: Outcomes From the Building Bridges, Inc. Empowerment Camp.”

From Learning to Believing

The poster highlighted findings from our 2025 STEM Empowerment Summer Camp, and the results were powerful. By the end of the program, over 90% of participants reported feeling extremely confident in STEM, with zero students reporting low confidence. While many students joined the camp hoping to improve their STEM skills, what stood out most was what they gained beyond the curriculum. Students consistently shared that mentorship was the most meaningful and impactful part of their experience.

Why Mentorship Matters

These findings reinforce a simple but powerful truth: when students are supported by mentors who guide, encourage, and believe in them, their growth goes far beyond academics.

Mentorship creates space for students to:

  • Build confidence in their abilities

  • Feel a sense of belonging in STEM spaces

  • Explore their interests without fear

  • Envision themselves in future STEM careers

It transforms STEM from something intimidating into something accessible, exciting, and achievable.

Moving Forward

As we continue our mission, we remain committed to creating programs that combine hands-on STEM learning with intentional mentorship. Because when students are given both the tools and the support they need, the possibilities are endless.

Building Bridges, Inc