The STEM Catalyst

Young women are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), reaching for the stars and contributing to the solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, following in the footsteps of the women who came before them. According to statistics from the National Science Foundation, women make up just a third of the science and engineering workforce. Many organizations around the world are fiercely working to improve this statistic.

Role Models are an indisputable and indispensable catalyst for inspiring young women and girls. Role Models help bridge the imagination gap and personify a simple truth: seeing is believing. When a young girl sees a woman successfully pursuing a STEM career, and having fun doing it, she is more likely to imagine a STEM career for herself, and perhaps even change the world.

Role Models shatter preconceived notions about what a scientist looks like, where a scientist is from, and what kind of job a scientist has. By connecting young girls to women working in their communities, in renowned institutions, in media and beyond, they will gain access to inspiration, guidance and mentorship. Access to Role Models in a variety of careers is essential to young women pursuing STEM.

• Women working in STEM understand the unique challenges young women may face, and can offer advice on navigating their work and careers, building confidence and expanding the network with which they will shape their futures.

• Through STEM education programs like Scientific Adventures for Girls and using tools like the IF/THEN® Collection, the largest free resource of its kind with thousands of photos and videos of diverse and powerful contemporary women in STEM, young girls can access real Role Models who are eager to share their journeys.

For the past nine years, SAfG has been on an incredible journey – one guided by a fundamental belief: the power of female STEM Role Models. In our afterschool program tailored for low-income, TK-6th grade girls of color, Role Models have emerged as beacons of inspiration and aspiration, paving the way to show students a brighter future.

Our program is designed to help these young girls embrace STEM with confidence. We understand that diversity matters and it’s essential for girls to see women who look like them thriving in STEM fields. Through the invaluable presence of Role Models, we bring the world of STEM closer to our students, break stereotypes, and show them the endless possibilities.

Each school year, SAfG’s afterschool programming covers three STEM themes during the school year. For each curriculum theme, we introduce our girls to a woman in a corresponding STEM field. These Role Models do more than just make a cameo appearance; they embark on a journey with our girls. The day starts with a brief presentation about who they are, what they do, and their STEM journey. Then, they answer students’ questions. After that conversation, Role Models roll up their sleeves and join our girls and teachers in tackling hands-on STEM projects.

It’s not a one-way street. Our Role Models are just as enriched by the experience as our girls. They understand the importance of supporting the next generation of women in STEM and giving back to their communities.

SAfG extends our heartfelt gratitude to our recent generous funders for their invaluable support in empowering young girls through our STEM afterschool program. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact on their futures and the world of STEM. Thank you for believing in the potential of our girls:

• Caribou Biosciences

• Cisco

• Pacific Gas and Electric

• Ultragenyx

• Grifols