K-12 STEM Program
“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.
Dr. Gladys West GPS Stem Challenge Encourages Girls to Study Stem and Stay in School
We are committed to changing the number of girls going into STEM. Today women make up only 28% of the stem workforce and women of color represent only 2 %. This is simply unacceptable, a loss of great brainpower, and possible world-changing solutions.
That’s why the National Center of Women’s Innovations formed a partnership with Rosie Riveters, a group already providing stem programs to girls. Our programs combine their expertise with NCWI’s stories of the associated women innovators. The first joint program is the Dr. Gladys West GPS Challenge and was launched in May 2024.
Third – fifth grade girls at the Washington School for Girls were inspired by Dr. Gladys West’s example of overcoming gender and racial challenges and ending up enabling GPS through her precise mapping of the world. Combined with learning more about Dr. West and the opportunity to learn about gravity and build their own gravity well resulted in 87% of the girls stated they were more likely to stay in school and 64% said they were somewhat or very likely to study STEM. Considering that at the start of the project only 11 % of the girls were interested in STEM, that is powerful progress. The best thing is we get to track these girls and see what they actually study and where they end up working. Ever grateful to the Washington School for Girls (WSG).
We are thrilled with this response and are prepared to offer this program and others to all grade levels. According to the Girl Scout study, when girls have hands-on STEM experiences, 51% go on to study and work in STEM.
Photos: courtesy of Donna Parry
“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