K-12 STEM for Girls Comes Alive

“To be it, we must see it” – Former IBM CEO, Ginni Rometty

Without role models, girls have shied away from STEM fields. They don’t see themselves as innovators. The National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) is determined to change that, by showcasing the many forgotten women whose work transformed the world. We believe contemporary girls will more likely pursue STEM fields when they learn about their foremothers’ innovations and, couple experience STEM hands-on programs related to women’s innovations.

That will yield a double payoff. The world will have the best minds — regardless of gender– to solve our problems, plus women from varying socio-economic backgrounds will occupy jobs that pay thousands more than women often earn in service jobs. That will provide economic empowerment for ALL.

That’s why we are so excited to share our news. With the help of Rosie Riveters, the National Center of Women’s Innovations has formed a partnership to develop hands-on STEM learning modules linked to GPS (Global Positioning Systems) for girls in 3^rd-8^th grades that will reinforce the powerful story of Dr. Gladys B. West, the Black mathematician whose precise mapping laid the groundwork for GPS. We’re calling it the Dr. Gladys West GPS Challenge. In 2024, it will launch school-wide at the Washington School for Girls in DC.

Dr. Beth Reaves, president of the school, states: “Washington School for Girls is excited to have this opportunity for our students to explore STEM innovations while also learning about an important woman in history. We know that young girls need to see women’s accomplishments in order to dream of their own for the future, and this partnership provides that exposure.” Washington School for Girls has propelled more than 300 girls forward for over 26 years.

This is just the start. Together let’s take this proprietary package on the road (and we won’t get lost because we have GPS!) nationwide to schools, STEM programs, and camps. Expect a new NCWI/Rosie Riveter series built around each featured woman innovator. (We have thousands to go, and plan to include high schoolers in our programs as well.) Get in touch with us at stem@womensinnovations.org to discuss a program for your group or donate today to get this effort underwritten.

Photos: Washington School for Girls

Exploring the engineering thought process of a chemical engineer by performing a filtering experiment. Photo: UnidosNOW

Exploring physics by graphing motion using math. Photo: UnidosNOW

“The National Women’s Hall of Fame applauds the effort of the National Center of Women’s Innovations to showcase the forgotten stories of women innovators and use their stories of women innovators and use their stories and technical solutions to inspire others . We look forward to working together to recognize extra ordinary American women.”
Jennifer Gabriel, The National Women’s Hall of Fame
– National Women’s Hall of Fame

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