Lab mentors from SPRI teach our Girls in STEM students in the research lab.

Why do we need Girls in STEM?

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According to the National Education Association, “girls who learn in all-girl environments are believed to be more comfortable responding to questions and sharing their opinions in class and more likely to explore more ‘nontraditional’ subjects such as math, science, and technology.”

Our program consists of a variety of sessions each year dedicated to motivation, reflection, and action in STEM. Girls will be surrounded by female professionals in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Carolyn H. Garfein and Linda D. Hallman of the American Association of University Women write, “stereotypes can lower girls’ aspirations for science and engineering careers over time. … To diversify the STEM fields we must take a hard look at the stereotypes and biases that still pervade our culture. Encouraging more girls and women to enter these vital fields will require careful attention to the environment in our classrooms and workplaces and throughout our culture.”

Girls in STEM is designed to do just that. At KSS we want girls to grow up believing in their own abilities, asking tough questions, and competing in an ever-changing, dynamic and technology-driven marketplace. We believe that these girls are our future and Girls in STEM will help them build an incredible future for all of us.

Girls in STEM works to break the negative stereotype that girls don’t excel in science, technology, engineering, and math. At KSS we know girls make great scientists and it’s our goal to motivate them to succeed and to become leaders in STEM careers.

By reintroducing girls to STEM subjects through journaling, mentorship, discussion, and a positive learning environment, the Girls in STEM program helps build the confidence that girls need to break out of their comfort zones and become leaders in their classrooms and beyond.

In a classroom setting girls often sit back and let boys take the lead, especially in science and math classes. By creating an all-girls learning environment, Girls in STEM provides a safe environment in which girls can ask questions, take the lead, and build confidence.

According to Joshua Aronson, Associate Professor of Developmental, Social, and Educational Psychology at New York University, “exposing girls to successful female role models can help counter negative stereotypes because girls see that people like them can be successful and the stereotype threat can be managed and overcome.”

The KSS Girls In STEM programs are a safe space for girls to ask questions, lead group activities, and cultivate an interest and love for science.