Bay Area LEEDS provides a variety of ‘girls only’ activities that help to dispel stereotypes that discourage girls from becoming scientists, engineers, technologists and other STEM occupations. Not only do we focus on introducing young girls to a diverse and relatable example of Women in STEM, our programming also provides opportunities for girls to succeed at STEM-related tasks to begin building confidence, helping young girls feel more motivated and capable of success.
Ultimately, our efforts are designed to enable girls to envision themselves following a similar path to success that our region’s Women in STEM have shared with them during activities designed especially for girls. We know girls can’t be who they don’t see, and when women STEM professionals discuss their individual journeys and the superpowers they’ve developed over the course of their careers, it makes a difference to girls’ decision-making processes. Whether during annual events or programming during the school year, we are addressing the talent shortages by attracting more girls to STEM careers.
The Girls Lead The Way (GLTW) Summit is a great example of our work.
GLTW STEM Summit—In its fourth year, this effort brings together more than 150 eighth- and ninth-grade Engineering Pathway girls from a variety of East Bay school districts who provide Project Lead The Way curriculum. It also engages more than 50 Women in STEM from a variety of East Bay companies who mentor these young women in a 5-hour experience which includes keynote speakers, hands-on engineering activities and plenty of one-on-one engagement. The event is scheduled every Fall and is sponsored by Chevron in collaboration with Contra Costa Transportation Authority and a variety of other partners.
CalPoly Pomona FemineerTM Program
Femineers™ is a program of CalPoly Pomona and operates for 15 weeks after school during the school year. Professional women in STEM volunteer to make the curriculum come alive for girls while offering them role models so students can see what they can be—thriving women in careers they love!
Being implemented in both middle and high schools in the East Bay, delivering the CalPoly Pomona curriculum requires the purchase of materials to provide both the Creative Robotics and Wearable Technologies experience.
Meeting the Needs of Employers
Other ‘girls only’ programs are designed by Bay Area LEEDS to respond to needs of specific industry sectors and individual companies. Let us know if you have an idea you would like to pursue. We’re here to help you realize your desire to support girls in STEM.