Girls in STEM
Girls in STEM* is a mission-critical initiative aimed at inspiring, empowering, and encouraging interest in STEM among students in grades 4–8. The program’s goal is to introduce girls to STEM concepts in a fun and relevant way while partnering with companies and women that help nurture their interest in exploring STEM as a profession.
STEM-FOCUSED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 4–8
Multiple educational programs are held throughout the year for girls in grades 4-8 to collaborate with their peers to solve engineering-design problems and connect with women in STEM careers who enthusiastically inspire the young women. The goal of these events are to expose girls to interesting and engaging STEM-related activities and concepts that capture their curiosity and spark their interest in learning more.
To learn more about Girls in STEM programs, please email girlsinstem@azscience.org or 602.716.2000 ext. 207.
DOWNLOAD THE GIRLS IN STEM 2022-2023 ZINE!
As a part of our 2022-2023 Girls in STEM community effort, we've created the engaging, bilingual Girls in STEM 2022-2023 Zine! Made to inspire #GirlsInSTEM, this zine contains:
- Engaging activities for grade bands Pre-K, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, linking to how-to videos in both English and Spanish.
- Inspiring bios on Arizona-based IF/THEN® Ambassadors, linking to fun, educational videos by the IF/THEN® Collection.
- Bonus activities that are fun for all ages!
Learn More and Download the Zine
SCHOLARSHIPS
Arizona Science Center is committed to providing access to exceptional educational experiences in STEM learning, regardless of ability to pay program fees. Scholarships for all of our Girls in STEM events are available thanks to generous donors and community partners. To apply for a scholarship for any of our Girls in STEM events, please complete the short online application below.
BECOME A STEM MENTOR!
STEM Mentors impact the lives of Participants in a variety of ways, including helping with challenges, engaging the Participants in different projects, and, most importantly, a chance to mentor and inspire young girls* to consider exciting careers in STEM. We are in need of both English- and Spanish-speaking STEM Mentors.
SARI ON SCIENCE
Sari Custer, Chief Scientist and Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, explores science in the world around us. Through regular TV appearances and social media videos, Sari on Science features highlights from inside the Science Center and updates on science trends and innovation from the world at large. Sari is a role model and inspiration for young scientists and innovators.
GIRL SCOUTS
Workshops and camp-ins, designed specifically for Girl Scouts and facilitated by Arizona Science Center Team Members, make earning badges and patches exciting for Girl Scouts and easy for leaders.
AT-HOME STEM ACTIVITIES
Explore our online resources supporting at-home learning to inspire, educate and engage curious minds through science. From lesson plans to interactive videos, activities to articles, we are here to keep STEM learning alive today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Thank you to the IF/THEN® Initiative for providing the resources below.
DIY Dino Dig Brain-Bending T-Puzzle Galaxy Rocks Recycles Plant Paper
CAREER EXPOSURE
Arizona Science Center provides a behind-the-scenes peek of various careers and businesses that authentically represent women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
WHY GIRLS IN STEM?
This mission-critical initiative is aimed at inspiring, empowering, and encouraging interest in science and engineering among girls.
There is a historic and continuing under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Jobs requiring critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration are growing, while at the same time there is a lack of available talent to fill them. Studies also show that girls are more engaged in learning when the content presented is both tactile and is closely tied to solving a real-world problem or challenge. This framework is often lacking in today's classroom.
Arizona Science Center's Girls in STEM program plays an important role in fostering a community of learners interested in pursuing science inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2013, Girls in STEM creates an empowering and collaborative environment for girls in grades 4–8 to engage with other girls and female mentors for a full day of hands-on learning.
Arizona Science Center has expanded the Girls in STEM initiative to include smaller, focused events along with full-day events throughout the year, and we are committed to achieving 50% female participation in critical Arizona Science Center STEM programs including CREATE U and Teen Engagement Programs. As personal interests and skills evolve through this and other Science Center programs, girls are more apt to remain engaged in STEM-related education, and ultimately seek employment opportunities where their skills and talents can be put to best use.
*Anyone who identifies as female regardless of assignment at birth. Our program also welcomes people who identify as non-binary. Although this program's focus is on girls, all are welcome to attend regardless of gender identity.
To learn more about supporting Girls in STEM, please contact Tammy Stewart, Chief Development Officer, at stewartt@azscience.org or 602.716.2000 ext. 223.
