Closing the STEM Gap
Supporting Girls in STEM
Empowering the Next Generation
Every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her strengths, challenge the status quo, and explore the world through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Empowering girls through STEM is not just about preparing them for future careers—it’s about helping them become creative thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders today.
Whether she dreams of designing cutting-edge technology, researching climate solutions, or building safer communities, the right support at the right time can make all the difference. This page explores the importance of supporting girls in STEM programs, the barriers they face, and the resources available to help them thrive.
Why It Matters
STEM fields are shaping the future—but women remain underrepresented in many of them. Starting early is key. Encouraging girls in STEM during the middle school years boosts confidence, nurtures interest, and helps girls see themselves in STEM pathways long before college.
Support isn’t just about access to content—it’s about representation, mentorship, and community. When girls are surrounded by role models and supportive networks, they are more likely to stay engaged and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
By empowering girls through STEM, we unlock their potential to lead in fields where their voices and perspectives are needed most.
Research
Despite equal ability and interest, girls are significantly less likely to enroll in advanced STEM courses or pursue STEM careers. The reasons are complex: societal messages, lack of role models, and limited exposure to real-world STEM applications all contribute.
Research shows:
Girls’ interest in STEM peaks in middle school, making early support crucial.
Mentorship from women in STEM careers increases persistence and confidence.
Girls in STEM programs experience higher academic achievement and more diverse college and career aspirations.
STEM mentoring for girls can significantly reduce gender gaps in participation and performance.
Girls are ready. They just need the right encouragement, resources, and role models to move forward.
Resources
Supporting girls in STEM starts with providing consistent exposure, opportunities to lead, and meaningful relationships with mentors and peers. Here are some of the most impactful ways to foster long-term engagement:
- Introduce real-world STEM applications early and often, especially in sports, health, or environmental contexts
- Connect with women in STEM careers who can share their stories, challenges, and advice
- Offer hands-on projects that encourage creativity, exploration, and collaboration
- Provide access to mentors through STEM mentoring for girls initiatives
- Celebrate their efforts—not just outcomes—to reinforce confidence and resilience
Looking for Girls in STEM Programs?
There are a growing number of national and local programs designed to serve girls from all backgrounds with STEM-focused experiences, from after-school clubs and coding camps to summer research labs and robotics competitions. Many include mentorship and leadership components to ensure girls stay supported throughout their journey.
Take Action
Girls
Ask questions. Get curious. Try new things. You don’t have to be an expert to start—you just have to begin. Join a program, meet a mentor, and explore how STEM connects to your everyday life.
Parents & Caregivers
Your support and encouragement are powerful. Help your daughter discover her interests, celebrate her curiosity, and connect her to girls in STEM programs where she can learn and grow with like-minded peers.
Educators
Create inclusive classroom spaces that nurture inquiry and experimentation. Highlight women in STEM careers, integrate mentorship opportunities, and offer collaborative projects that reflect real-world challenges.
Mentors & Professionals
Your experience matters. Volunteer to mentor a girl, speak at a school, or host a field trip. Sharing your journey can inspire the next generation to follow in your footsteps—or forge new ones.
Empowering girls through STEM doesn’t just change individual lives—it changes the world.