Programs:
STEM for Her Led Programs

DRIVE: Like a Girl

In 2019, our program’s third year, teams of girls from high schools in the Washington D.C. metro area competed in an engineering innovation contest, sponsored by Audi in partnership with STEM for Her. Four teams designed a six-week engineering project which was focused on the automobile/ transportation industry. At the end of the session, the teams competed in an event at Audi’s US Headquarters, judged by a panel of Audi executives and STEM for Her Board Members. Competing high schools were awarded funds to support their STEM programs and Audi invited the girls back for a follow-up workshop on ways to move their projects forward in Audi’s product cycle.

STEM for Her + NOVA Technology Conference

In 2019, STEM for Her partnered with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to present a Day of Tech for high school girls from across the Washington D.C. metro area on five NOVA campuses. The Day of Tech focused on providing young women with resources and knowledge about the many benefits of pursuing a career in technology. The day included technology workshops and STEM activities, panel discussions with technology professionals, lunch with panelists and NOVA students, and highlights of NOVA opportunities.

The GEM Hunt

In October 2019, the Gem Hunt program consisted of a panel of science professionals from industry, academia and research spoke with participants about career paths, life at work, and provided specific advice and encouragement around resiliency and curiosity. This program was conceived by two seniors from Churchill High School with attendees coming from Walt Whitman, Walter Johnson, Wooten and Winston Churchill high schools.

Slalom Escape Room

During 2019, STEM for Her collaborated on two events with the women from the technology consulting firm, Slalom. The programs used a fun and innovative “escape room” style activity showing high school girls how they use technology and consulting skills to help companies grow thrive. These girls were exposed to different types of opportunities in technology. Further, they were shown what consultants do at work and what role STEM played in their careers.

What’s Your Ology?

In March, 2019, STEM for Her in partnership with Learning Undefeated presented an immersive, hands-on afterschool workshop dedicated to teaching laboratory practices and furthering the relationships between high school students and mentors in the STEM industry. The event took place onboard the Mobile eXploration Lab in the parking lot of Friendly High School. In addition, a panel of science professionals took place giving the students the opportunity to ask questions about career paths and positions to learn more about how these professionals got involved with STEM. In July 2019, STEM for Her held a second event with YWCA at the Smithsonian Museum where the girls received private tours, held table talks over pizza, and explored the Smithsonian’s Discovery Center.

Techbridge Girls – Career Exploration

Techbridge and STEM for Her share a deep commitment to building a more diverse STEM workforce and opening doors to STEM careers for underserved populations. In partnership with Techbridge Girls DC, STEM for Her has funded a Career Exploration Tour. The Tour provides middle school girls from DC Title 1 schools exposure to incredible STEM-connected places in their own city – places they might not otherwise visit.

SheSoft Conference

SheSoft is a 2-day conference conceived and executed by high school girls with a mission to promote building software applications by young girls to bridge the gender gap in technology. The two-day conference draws 150 girls and includes competition, keynote speeches all in a professional conference setting.