STEM Programs
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Why focus on STEM?
- Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but only 29% of the science and engineering workforce.
- 65% of today’s students will be in jobs that don’t exist yet
Without intervention, girls’ interest and confidence in STEM-related fields can begin to wane as early as elementary school. Between 4th and 8th grade, more girls than boys begin to turn away from science, technology, engineering, and math, making it critical to engage girls in middle school before they begin making selections for the high school classes they need to pursue in STEM careers. The issue is not just about curiosity in the subject matter, but also confidence in the skills needed to do the work. For girls, building self-assurance in their abilities in STEM areas early in their education is key, as is ongoing reinforcement throughout high school.
For more information, please contact Sherry Cook, Program Director, at scook@girlsincsa.org or at 210-298-5862.
Girls Inc. Operation SMART
Working with community partners, Girls Inc. of San Antonio brings 12 weeks of outreach STEM program to area elementary schools. Activities in Operation SMART develop girls’ enthusiasm for and skills in STEM. Through hands-on activities, girls explore, ask questions, persist, and solve problems. By interacting with women in STEM careers, girls come to view these careers as exciting and realistic options for themselves.
Afterschool STEM Club
A club for girls in middle school who are interested in exploring the world around them. Meeting twice a week, girls participate in projects and activities designed to encourage exploration and curiosity, as well as excite and sustain an interest in STEM. Examples of subjects that are covered in STEM Club include: biology, engineering, geology, computer programming, chemistry, medicine, and robotics. Girls meet local female scientists, participate in field trips and build their STEM confidence.
Eureka!
Girls Inc. Eureka! is a year-round, 5-year STEM-based program that engages 8th – 12th grade girls as they discover that they are capable of far more than they ever thought, experiment with their interests and explore STEM career opportunities. With Eureka! you will join other girls who share similar hopes and dreams-girls who are curious, who see themselves in college, who want to be leaders. Together, you’ll develop leadership skills and support each other in setting goals for success.
The Eureka! Enrollment Process begins in the spring. Each year, 30 new rising 8th-grade girls are recruited to begin their 5 year Eureka! journey.
- The First and Second Summers: Girls will experience a four-week summer day camp on a local college campus, engaging in STEM, personal development, goal setting and healthy relationships.
- The Third, Fourth and Fifth Summers:Girls will participate in shorter summer camp programs, as well as externship and internship programs. Participants meet STEM professionals in all areas of the workforce and learn about possible career opportunities.
Interested in becoming part of the newest Cohort 8? We invite all rising 8th graders – who are curious and enthusiastic about STEM subjects, leadership, and personal development.
Know a rising 8th grader who loves STEM – encourage them to apply! Click here to learn more
For more information, please contact Belen Plasencia at bplasencia@girlsincsa.org.
Future Forward
Learn from women working in STEM fields about diverse career options, visit college campuses, build your 21st century skills and make friends with girls across the city! Open to girls in 6th and 7th grade.
