Closing the STEM Gap
STEM Defined
Understand the Impact
Education has the power to unlock potential, spark curiosity, and build confident leaders. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) isn’t just about equations and experiments. It’s a gateway to opportunity. For girls, it’s also a powerful tool for building the skills and confidence to succeed in school, careers, and life. Here’s why STEM matters—and how you can get involved.
Why It Matters
STEM is all around us. It powers the technology we use, informs the decisions we make, and shapes the future we’re building. But far too often, girls—especially in middle school—aren’t given equal encouragement to pursue STEM education or consider STEM careers.
What is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields fuel innovation and play a central role in solving real-world problems. STEM education takes a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to teaching these subjects, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
STEM Education Definition
STEM education is more than a curriculum—it’s a teaching philosophy that blends technical knowledge with practical application. Rather than learning each subject in isolation, students engage in projects and challenges that connect math with coding, science with engineering, and technology with design. This approach prepares students not just to memorize facts, but to understand systems and think creatively.
STEM Subjects List
STEM subjects typically include:
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Technology: Computer Science, Robotics, Digital Literacy, Information Technology
- Engineering: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Aerospace
- Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Data Science
Benefits of STEM Education
Girls who participate in STEM learning benefit in powerful ways:
- Stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Increased confidence and curiosity
- Greater academic performance across subjects
- Early exposure to mentorship and role models
- A direct path to high-growth, high-paying careers
STEM education also helps girls see themselves as capable leaders and innovators in any field—not just STEM.
Research
While girls show equal interest and aptitude in STEM during early school years, studies show that confidence and participation drop by middle school. Why? A lack of visible role models, limited access to engaging programs, and societal messages that STEM “isn’t for girls” all contribute to a persistent gender gap in STEM fields.
According to research:
- Women make up nearly half the U.S. workforce but hold less than 30% of STEM jobs.
- Girls’ interest in STEM declines sharply after age 11 unless reinforced by positive experiences and mentorship.
- Mentorship, exposure to hands-on STEM activities, and early encouragement can dramatically increase girls’ persistence in STEM pathways.
Play Like a Girl is working to close this gap by offering hands-on STEM experiences and connecting girls with real women working in STEM careers.
Resources
Looking for ways to support your daughter’s interest in STEM? Start here:
After-School & Weekend Programs
Explore Play Like a Girl’s interactive STEM workshops, field trips, and mentorship opportunities.
STEM Role Models
Connect with women mentors and professionals through our programs and virtual events.
STEM at Home
Encourage curiosity with at-home experiments, coding apps, and DIY projects that bring STEM to life.
School Partnerships
Learn how your school can bring Play Like a Girl programs to your community.
Our programs are designed specifically for middle school girls, a critical age when identity, confidence, and interests begin to take shape.
Take Action
Everyone has a role to play in making STEM more inclusive and accessible to girls.
Girls
If you love to explore, build, create, or solve puzzles—you belong in STEM. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Join a program, meet a mentor, and find your spark.
Parents & Caregivers
Encourage your daughter to explore, ask questions, and solve problems. Celebrate her curiosity. Look for programs, classes, and mentors that nurture her interest in STEM.
Educators
Bring Play Like a Girl into your classroom or school. Our resources support hands-on learning and show students how STEM connects to the real world.
Mentors & Professionals
Your support helps us reach more girls with high-quality STEM programming. Donate, volunteer, or become a mentor to help girls build bright futures.
STEM is the foundation of tomorrow’s workforce and leadership. With the right support today, girls can thrive in any field.