Girlstart

Our goals are to:
● Increase girls’ competency in conducting scientific investigations and critical thinking/reasoning;
● Increase girls’ facility and mastery in STEM skills;
● Increase girls’ confidence and interest in conducting STEM activities; and
● Increase girls’ awareness of STEM careers and interest in pursuing STEM electives, subjects, majors, and careers.

Girlstart programs build the fundamental skills and knowledge in STEM—as well as the confidence and interest in STEM—that girls will need to pursue STEM courses, activities, majors, and careers. By helping girls to build strong foundations in STEM, Girlstart makes girls more successful, and inspires them to take on the world’s greatest challenges.

Studies show that gender differences in attitudes and interest in science are present by the end of the elementary grades. These early years therefore represent a crucial window not only for providing students with a solid foundation in STEM subjects, but also for cultivating an enthusiasm for STEM among girls. Girlstart intervenes at this critical juncture with opportunities for girls in grades 4–8 to explore a range of STEM disciplines and activities, within a community of role models and peers who can encourage their interest and persistence in the STEM pipeline. In addition, grades 4-5 are a vital time to invest in education and in STEM in particular. The 5th grade is the first administration of a standardized test in science (standardized tests in math are administered every year, and multiple administrations are available, so this data point, while illustrative, does not present a full picture). Performance on these tests can have a profound impact on a child’s future with regard to options for taking advanced math and science courses in middle school. By enrolling in more advanced math and science courses in middle school, the doors for a child’s future stay open, whereas if they do not participate in these advanced courses, future options decrease. Girlstart After School in particular is oriented around this issue, so that we can help shape a girl’s future by proactively helping her get on and stay on advanced math and science tracks.

Our programs have received national recognition, including:

● In May 2017, Girlstart After School and Girlstart Summer Camp were re-certified as effective informal STEM programs by Change the Equation in its ‘STEMWorks’ quality initiative. Girlstart is still the only organization in to have two programs included as part of STEMWorks (originally recognized in July 2012).

● In January 2016, Girlstart was selected by The National Journal as a highly effective organization in the US that is ‘renewing’ the nation through our work.

● In September 2015, Girlstart was recognized as a “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education” by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

● In March 2015, Girlstart was inducted into the SXSW Interactive Hall of Fame for our work to bring STEM and technology education programs to girls.

● In July 2014, Girlstart’s externally verified analysis of the impact of Girlstart After School program participation on girls’ academic progress was highlighted in a report released by the Afterschool Alliance and the Noyce Foundation.

Since 1997, Girlstart has served over 80,000 girls and 10,000 teachers and families with school-based programs, professional development for teachers, summer camps, STEM career conferences and expos, large-scale science events for families, and community STEM education outreach programs. Girlstart programs are open to girls K-12. We are focused on serving girls of diverse ethnicities, girls who live in low-income or nonurban environments, and/or are considered at-risk. In 2019, we served more than 28,000 girls, teachers, and family members, 97% of whom participated at no cost.