Supporting Equitable Approaches to Early Science Education

March 9, 2023 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern

Beginning in pre-kindergarten, research has shown that subtle features of common language used by teachers (and other adults) can interfere with the development of children’s own engagement with science. Ahead of National Science Education Day (March 14, 2023) join NGCP and learn how to make positive shifts in the language and teaching strategies used, in order to more equitably support children’s interest and persistence in science from an early age. Participants will learn effective teaching strategies to support equitable experiences with science and will be empowered to create more gender equitable and culturally responsive learning environments that inspire and engage all young children in the sciences.

Collaboration in Action: Post-Covid Innovations for Engaging Girls in STEM

Downers Grove, IL, March 10, 2023 12:00-3:30 PM Central

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted women and girls. Speakers will share ideas and resources to address these challenges. Participants will gain valuable collaboration resources, share information, and engage in discussions focused on strategies and program models that engage girls in STEM. This free in person forum will include lunch. Register.

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 worked on diverse projects, including the Youth Advisory Board, IF/THEN® Collection, NGCP Annual Survey, and supporting State Collaboratives. Learn about the Anniversary Fellow experiences, reflections, and learnings related to collaboration, cultural responsiveness, STEM identity, and role models. Read the blogs.

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting  

Washington, D.C., March 2-5, 2023

The 2023 theme, "Science for Humanity" highlights the importance and just integration of multiplicity featuring groundbreaking multidisciplinary research. Virtual registration is also available. Advance registration ends February 7, 2023. Register.

National Afterschool Association (NAA) Convention  

Orlando, FL, March 19-22, 2023

This year's theme is "You. Us. All." Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in networking, workshops, daily keynotes, and an interactive Learning Expo for professionals and leaders in afterschool. Register.

ACTE National Policy Seminar

Arlington, VA, March 19-22, 2023

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. The seminar will include key education policy topics, best practices for influencing federal policy related to CTE advocacy and messaging, and Capitol Hill visits. Participants can also attend virtually. Register.

National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference

Atlanta, GA, March 22-25, 2023

Educators will share experiences, present new ideas and teaching techniques on topics such as developing scientific literacy, equity, and assessment. The conference includes workshops, share-a-thons, coffee chats, networking events, and an exhibit hall. Register.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Convention

Kanas City, MO, March 22-26, 2023

This year's theme, "#NSBE49: I AM S.T.E.M.", is focused on the goals: Succeed Professionally, Tech for the Future, Engage the Next Generation, and Manage Wellness. The conference features a 300+ company career fair. Register.

Science Talk '23 Conference

Portland, OR, April 6-7, 2023

Connect with a community of professional science communicators via workshops, panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. Register.

International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Conference

Minneapolis, MN, April 12-15, 2023

The ITEEA conference is geared toward technology and engineering educators. The 2023 theme is "Learn it, Try it, Teach it!: STEL Experiences to Advance Our Profession". Pre-registration deadline is March 15, 2023. Register.

National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE): National Summit for Educational Equity

Washington, DC, April 17-20, 2023

The NAPE Summit brings together administrators, teachers/instructors, counselors, and educational leaders to focus on the work required to identify and remove barriers to access and opportunity, foster equitable learning, and support pathways to an equitable workforce. Organized to deliver insights into the latest research and policy considerations, sessions offer best practices on CTE and STEM pathways. Register.

BOOST (Best of Out-of-School Time) Conference

Palm Springs, CA, April 25-28, 2023

Participants will have the opportunity to network, participate in team-building activities, and learn about the latest trends and research in innovative and quality out-of-school-time programming. Register.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference

Philadelphia, PA, June 25-28, 2023

ISTELive 23 gathers the global education community to transform teaching and learning through technology featuring a 1,000 sessions by global experts. Participants will learn practical strategies and have opportunities to connect with education leaders, librarians, and media specialists. Super early bird rate ends March 1, 2023. Register.

Black History Month: In recognition of Black History Month, here are resources that serve to promote Black youth and the experiences of Black women STEM professionals:

• 13 Black Women in STEM You Should Know. Explore this list, curated by GoldieBlox, of 13 Black women in STEM that are paving the way for others.
• 16 Black History Month STEM Activities. iD Tech has created a list of 16 STEM activities for youth to help them learn about contributions of Black scientists and STEM professionals.
• Color of our Future: Elevating Modern Figures in Computing Webinar. Part of NCWIT’s Conversation for Change series, this webinar will highlight the voices and experiences of Black women in computing spaces. Webinar is February 8, 2023. Learn more.
• The IF/THEN® Collection includes Black women STEM professionals from diverse fields. Use this digital library of photos, videos, posters, and activities to integrate Black women STEM role models into programming – all resources are available for educational and other non-commercial use.
• iUrban Teen is a nationally recognized program focused on bringing career-focused education to underrepresented teens ages 13-18. With a goal to increase awareness and knowledge of STEM+C+A, Civic and Communication careers and training, youth receive hands-on exposure to a variety of careers and civic engagement. iUrban Team boasts near equal parity of girls that participate in their programs, including youth with special needs.
• Modern Figures Podcast elevates the voices of Black women in computing, presented by the Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computing Sciences in collaboration with NCWIT. Content includes technical areas related to computing, social justice, and personal challenges of women in computing, designed to be understood by everyone with a focus on engaging high school students in STEM careers in computing-related fields.

MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge

The M3 Challenge is a free, internet-based applied math competition for high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. and sixth form students in England and Wales. Working in teams, participants have 14 hours to solve an open-ended math-modeling problem focused on a relevant issue. The contest awards $100,000 in prizes annually. The challenge weekend is March 3-6, 2023. Registration deadline is February 24, 2023.

NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge: Pillars of Creation

Youth are encouraged to join NASA's Universe of Learning and participate in the Winter 2023 NASA's Astrophoto Challenge. Participants will capture their own telescope image or work with NASA's images of the iconic Pillars of Creation and the broader Eagle Nebula, their work may receive feedback from NASA scientists. Youth may participate by using an email address to receive images taken with the MicroObservatory robotic telescopes. Participants 12 or younger must have a parent/guardian do the activity with them. The Challenge is open until February 28, 2023.

SciGirls in Space Social Media Toolkit

SciGirls in Space (premiering February 3, 2023 on PBS) continues the SciGirls STEM adventure with a focus on human spaceflight, traditional star knowledge, astronomy, materials science, Earth science, and using sensor technology. A Social Media Toolkit has been created that includes information about SciGirls, social media assets, and sample posts, to help educators promote the new episodes and related resources.

Connected Girls

Connected Girls is a free, curated directory of girl-serving STEAM opportunities, managed by NGCP in partnership with Science Near Me. Add your STEAM opportunities and events that are designed for girls or other groups that have been historically excluded. Additionally, Connected Girls includes professional development opportunities for adults related to gender equity and STEM.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly

February 11, 2023

The 8^th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly will address the theme "Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance: I.D.E.A.: Bringing communities forward for sustainable and equitable development", gathering experts from around the world to discuss how to strengthen ties between science, policy, and society for the future. Discussions will include best practices, strategies, and applied solutions to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals challenges and opportunities. Learn More.

Girl Day: Introduce a Girl to Engineering  

February 23, 2023

Girl Day is a worldwide campaign to engage girls in engineering. Engineers, educators, and others act as role models, facilitate STEM activities, and educate girls about how engineers change our world. Sign up to be a virtual or in-person role model. DiscoverE provides resources to plan Girl Day activities, online training for volunteers, and tips for starting conversations about engineering.

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!