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

Herrera P.C.; Valenzuela-Zubiaur M.; Caycho V.; Pineda-Gutierrez M.L.; Duharte M. · EDUNINE 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 (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/edunine62390.2026.11547077

Resumen

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.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas