National Science Foundation Award: BRITE Girls Online STEM Practices  

The future is Brite! The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.9 million dollars across 3 years in support of BRITE Girls Online STEM Practices: Building Relevance and Identity to Transform Experiences. Led by Florida State University, with NGCP and Smart Girls HQ as key partners. The project team will examine the STEM identity development of girls via an online learning community that brings together girls from across the U.S. Dr. Roxanne Hughes will lead a research team that includes Dr. Qian Zhang, to study the impact of three core approaches: community building, hands-on activities, and learning with women role models, on girls’ STEM identities. Abi Olukeye, Founder, Smart Girls HQ, will lead the design and implementation of the online community. NGCP will manage program design, including recruitment of role models and participants, and training of educators. The product of this work will include research-based, tested Brite Practices, equipping researchers and practitioners with a transformative toolkit for fostering girls’ interest, identification, and long-term participation in STEM. Learn more.

NGCP Webinar: Leveraging Collective Impact to Support STEM Programs and Resources

September 29, 2022, 12:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern

In celebration of NGCP's 20th anniversary, participants will learn how NGCP and other organizations leverage collective impact to provide opportunities for programs to increase their ability to maintain interest and participation of girls in STEM. Hear from a dynamic panel of speakers on strategies for successful STEM collaborations and how to nurture and scale effective STEM learning opportunities for all youth.

NGCP Webinar Series: Addressing STEM Stereotypes

We can break down stereotypes about STEM and help young children, youth, and young adults strengthen their interest and identification with STEM. Learn about strategies and resources to foster conversation with diverse learners and break down stereotypes.

        Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults

       October 13, 2022, 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern

         Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Young Children

        October 20, 2022, 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern

NGCP Webinar: STEM Stories: Women's Experiences Advocating for Equity

November 1, 2022, 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern

As part of NGCP’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, the Anniversary Fellowship Program was developed as a unique opportunity for professionals to immerse themselves in equity-focused work in support of  NGCP’s national network. Fellows will share experiences working on NGCP's initiatives, and practical tips and resources focused on fostering cultural responsiveness, supporting STEM identity, and using role models effectively. 

NGCP Webinar: The Genius of Play and STEAM

November 8, 2022, 9:00 AM Pacific / 12:00 PM Eastern

Play can be an effective tool to help kids build STEAM skills. In Collaboration with The Toy Association, learn about free resources available through The Genius of Play initiative, which provides parents, caregivers, and educators with research, expert advice, and ready-to-use ideas and activities to engage kids of all ages in fun and skill-building play. Participants will be empowered with hands-on information and tools ready for immediate application in your program.

Do You See Your High School Students in Future STEM Careers?

NGCP is pleased to be collaborating with the American Association of Physics Teachers, Destination Imagination, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, and the Student Research Foundation on a research project focused on high school students' perceptions of STEM careers. Including your students as part of this research project can help them: further consider their strengths, interests, and career options; receive information from colleges/universities, career and technical schools, and other post-secondary institutions seeking to recruit students with their specific interests, talents, skill sets, and career goals; and gain access to post-secondary scholarship opportunities. Watch your inbox during the back-to-school season for a package from the National College & Career Pathways Study. Please fill out this online form or email info@studentresearch.org to ensure you are on the list.

New NGCP Staff Members: NGCP is pleased to welcome two new staff members: 

• Brenda Britsch, PhD, Director of Research and Evaluation, has a long history with NGCP and 20 years of experience working to increase gender equity in STEM. In this new role, Brenda will lead efforts to make research accessible for the NGCP network and lead evaluation-focused work to measure NGCP’s impact.
• Amanda Sullivan, PhD, Senior Program Developer, brings over a decade of experience in education, research, and advocacy for girls. In this role, Amanda will lead the development of NGCP’s National Webinars and curriculum-focused projects and partnerships. 

Throughout 2022 we will be highlighting the work and passions of NGCP Board Members.

Anita Krishnamurthi, PhD, is the President, Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society, Senior VP, STEM & Youth Engagement at the Afterschool Alliance. When asked what excites her most about her work, Anita said, “The opportunity to help young people engage with science and demystify it so they have agency about STEM topics”. She also shared her advice with the NGCP community, "We need to support our colleagues who are working to change societal norms and the work culture to be more supportive of working women (including in STEM). We can’t send bright young people into an unchanged environment and expect different results!". Read the blog.

Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Conference

Pittsburgh, PA, September 12-15, 2022 

ASTC is an organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering public engagement with science among diverse audiences. This year's theme “Traversing Tomorrow Together” will explore a refined vision of the future for science and technology centers, museums, and allied professionals working at the intersections of science, technology, and society. Join NGCP for two workshops, Dream It, Plan It, Evaluate it: Inspiring Equity in STEM Environments, and Connecting Museums and Libraries to Promote Community Engagement in Science, and visit our exhibit hall booth.  Register.

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Conference

Palm Springs, CA, October 6-8, 2022

The AISES conference focuses on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM studies and careers. Includes the largest college and career fair in the U.S. for Indigenous students and professionals. Exhibitors represent a diverse range of corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, Tribes, and Indigenous-owned businesses. Register.

Women of Color STEM DTX Conference

Detroit, MI, October 6-8, 2022

Participants will learn new skills to advance their careers, and connect with a vibrant STEM community, including executives representing Fortune 500 companies committed to diversity and the advancement of women in the STEM workforce. The digital twin experience (DTX) gives participants unable to attend in-person, in-the-moment experiences. Register.

CSforALL Summit

Memphis, TN, October 19-21, 2022

The theme is “Game Changers in CS", exploring ways to shift the movement to ensure computer science is an equitable and sustainable part of the K-12 experience. With Memphis partner CodeCrew, the Summit will feature conversations with thought leaders highlighting strategies for equity, removing barriers to access, and building meaningful engagement for all students. Call for 2022 Commitments is open until September 9, 2022. Register. 

Lights On Afterschool  

Nationwide, October 20, 2022

Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool draws attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, and robotics—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs. Visit Lights On Afterschool for student event ideas (remote or in-person), showcase your program, and find ways to participate without hosting an event.

National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Connect Conference 

Atlanta, GA, October 20-22, 2022

The NCPN conference is a professional development opportunity offering informative keynote speakers, and other timely information for professionals in Career Pathways, CTE, and workforce and economic development. Register.

Society of Women Engineers Conference (WE22)

Houston, TX, October 20-22, 2022

WE21 is the largest conference for Women Engineers. This year’s theme is "A World of Opportunity Awaits." Learn, network, and be inspired by diverse women in the fields of technology and engineering. A virtual conference option is available on the registration portal. Early bird registration ends September 30, 2022. Register.

Summer Changes Everything NSLA Conference

Washington, DC, October 24-26, 2022

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) conference is an opportunity for stakeholders in the summer learning movement to share resources, best practices, and solutions for summer learning and afterschool programs. Early bird registration is open. Register.

InventED Convening 

Alexandria, VA, November 15-17, 2022

The 2022 theme "Reconnect, Reimagine, Reinvigorate", celebrates progress and what’s next to build awareness of Invention Education across K-12 learning. The in-person event is for those engaged in Invention Education and ready to collaborate in a design sprint workshop. Those new to Invention Education are invited to attend virtually for a curated set of programming designed to kickstart engagement in Invention Education. Early bird registration ends September 15, 2022. Register. 

Beyond School Hours

Orlando, FL, February 9-12, 2023

Educators and leaders serving K-12 students in afterschool, summertime, and beyond will have the opportunity to engage in professional development and capacity building, including hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, exhibits with the latest products and solutions. Early bird registration ends September 30, 2022. Register.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2022), here are resources that promote Latina students in STEM:

• Latinas in STEM: Spreads awareness about STEM and encourages middle and high school Latinas, especially within underserved communities, to consider pursuing a STEM career.
• TECHNOLOchicas: Designed to raise awareness among young Latinas and their families about opportunities and careers in technology
• HMH Lesson Plan: In this free math activity for grades 9 and up, youth learn about Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go into space, and participate in an activity that explores functions using a real-world example of a space shuttle launch.
• IF/THEN® Ambassador Role Model Resources: Explore assets featuring Latinx, Latina, and Hispanic role models, including Roselin Rosario-Meléndezs, Polymer Chemist, Minerva Cordero, Mathematician and Mathematics Professor, and Luz Claudio, Environmental Health Scientist.

NASA Funding Opportunity: Community Anchor Awards

NASA Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) is accepting proposals for the Community Anchor Awards, designed to support and strengthen institutions as community resources for informal education related to space exploration, aeronautics, space science, earth science, or microgravity. U.S. nonprofit science museums, planetariums, youth-serving organizations, and libraries are eligible to apply. Proposals due October 18, 2022. Learn more.

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors 9-12th grade self-identifying women, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and encourages them to pursue their passions. Recipients are selected based on aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, demonstrated by computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Application deadline is October 20, 2022. Learn more.

Welcome Back to Afterschool 2022

This new blog coauthored by Linda Kekelis and Ron Ottinger of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund, offers five big ideas to spark family engagement in STEM.

Youth Astronomy Network for Educators, Youth & Scientists (YouthAstroNet)

Educators working with youth in grades 5-8, particularly girls and youth of color underrepresented in STEM, are invited to join YouthAstroNet, an online community of youth, educators, and scientists engaging young people in science and technology learning via astronomy and its career connections, using the MicroObservatory online robotic telescope network. Apply to participate. 

CAMFED

CAMFED’s girls’ education for climate action, invests in girls' education in sub-Saharan Africa to address the climate crisis by equipping girls and young women with skills and resources to lead climate action across multiple levels: protecting themselves and their families, nurturing climate-smart farms and businesses, and increasing women's participation in decision-making at the family, community, national, and global levels.

The National Girls Collaborative Project™ promotes equity and STEM experiences as diverse as the world we live in. Our mission is to connect, create, and collaborate to transform STEM for all youth.

Support Our Work

Help create the tipping point for gender equity in STEM. Your support helps NGCP connect, create, and collaborate to transform STEM for all youth. Your generosity allows us to support programs working to increase girls’ interest in STEM by providing collaboration support, professional development, curriculum, and helpful evaluation and assessment techniques. Consider making a recurring donation to maximize your impact!