Abstract:

This study analyzes the impact of an educational intervention based on the participation of women entrepreneurs from the STEAM fields as inspirational role models for students in Secondary Education and Vocational Training. Using a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design, the perceptions of 261 students from two educational centers in the Valencian Community were assessed. The intervention included teacher preparation, question formulation, a motivational talk, and post-reflection activities. The results show statistically significant improvements in students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship and STEAM disciplines, particularly among female students and in the early years of secondary education. These findings confirm the pedagogical value of introducing real female role models as a strategy to counteract gender stereotypes, foster self-efficacy, and guide students vocationally toward science and technology-related fields. This work reinforces the need to design educational experiences with a gender perspective that contribute to a more equitable, transformative education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords:

STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Gender, Secondary Education, Vocational Guidance.