In a course called "The Art and Science of Cosplay," students learn engineering skills, Python programming, costume design and event planning. Funded initially by a state grant to increase diversity in computer science, the course culminates in a student-led comic convention and has successfully attracted a gender-balanced group of students, many of whom earned their first college credits through the program.

Bridgewater Commons in New Jersey was transformed into a live robotics arena for RoboCon NJ, an annual event organized by local FIRST Robotics teams. The event featured hands-on STEM exhibits and a robotics competition with 24 high-school teams. "We have to build a robot from the ground up that can compete in a very fast-paced competition over multiple days and weeks," said Kevin Wright, a senior at Union County Magnet High School.

Pairing computer science education with culturally response teaching has positively impacted elementary school students, especially for girls, Black and Latinx students, according to a report from the Research Alliance for New York City Schools. Practices such as showcasing the achievements of female, Black and Latinx computer science pioneers and examining algorithmic bias led to improved attitudes and confidence.

Women in engineering earn less than men across all disciplines, but the gender pay gap is gradually narrowing, according to the Society of Women Engineers. However, certain fields, such as petroleum and environmental engineering, experienced a widening gap, highlighting persistent challenges in achieving pay equity as women represent only 15.3% of the engineering workforce in the US.

Dyscalculia, which affects an estimated 3% to 7% of people, can manifest in three ways: developmental, verbal or visual-spatial (executive function), and understanding the differences helps teachers support students. Texas math interventionist Kimberly Fuller details five Tier 1 supports -- such as math journals and experiential approaches -- as well as two interventions that work well.

China's new K visa, launched on Oct. 1, is designed to attract young, globally educated science and technology professionals by removing traditional barriers such as employer sponsorship and job offer requirements. The initiative comes as the US raises H-1B visa fees, making China a more attractive workplace destination, especially for Indian professionals.