Courtesy photo
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold, is formally launching a STEM Fridays program for kindergarten through fifth grade girls that will introduce them to STEM-related activities with hopes to help spark their passion for these fields at a young age.
Girls Inc. is currently in search of community partners for the weekly program who will be engaged a few times per year, helping to expose young girls to STEM, potential careers in the industry, and role models in the field.
“We’re dedicated to providing girls with experiences that turn on their minds, get their hands messy, and inspire them to experiment and be creative,” said Victoria Juarez, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our STEM Fridays program not only introduces girls to STEM professions and careers, but also inspires them to take risks and push past their comfort zones. We hope local businesses will join us in our efforts to prepare this next generation of female leaders in STEM.”
STEM Fridays involves groups of approximately 15 girls rotating through four different hands-on stations every 30 minutes, working on or building various, unique projects related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Community partners would be asked to plan and implement four different STEM activities for a total of 60 girls. The program can be held at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus or their location.
Girls Inc. recently partnered with Carpinteria-based NuSil Technology for the program, implementing exciting hands-on activities that were incredibly well-received by the girls.
“NuSil Technology volunteers are excited to participate in an opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers, chemists, doctors, and so much more,” said Dawn Howard, Vice President of Human Resources and EHS at NuSil. “It is truly an honor for us to watch the girls’ faces light up as we talk about silicone, how it’s made, where it’s used, and how it changes lives every day. We look forward to our invitation every year to participate in STEM Fridays.”
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria hopes to partner with 6-8 businesses throughout the year.
Business professionals interested in participating in STEM Fridays should contact Victoria Juarez at vjuarez@girlsinc-carp.org or (805) 684-6364. For more information about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.
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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Incorporated®, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. We provide programs for girls 6 to 18 years old that focus on science, math, and technology; health and sexuality; economic and financial literacy; sports skills; leadership and advocacy; and media literacy. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.