Building the Capacity of STEM Practitioners to Develop a Diverse Workforce  

In This Issue

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NGCP Updates

 Collaborative Network Activities

SciGirls Professional Development Training

Baton Rouge, LA; February 10, 2014; 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

At this free, full-day professional development opportunity, learn how to engage girls (ages 8-13) through inquiry-based STEM instruction with a commitment to gender equity. Participants attending SciGirls Trainings will learn the latest research for exciting and engaging girls (and boys) in STEM; experience hands-on STEM activities; and gain access to free materials for hands-on, video-enhanced activities that put a creative twist on teaching STEM.

TxGCP SciGirls Workshop: 4-H CAPITAL

Austin, TX; March 7, 2014; 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM 

4-H CAPITAL is hosting the Texas Girls Collaborative Project for a workshop based on SciGirls, a PBS KIDS weekly series and website out to change how millions of tween girls think about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). 4-H CAPITAL staff and educators are invited to attend this free professional development opportunity and discover how to engage girls (ages 8-13) through research-based, high quality activities and resources.

STEM-ulating Collaboration: Sustaining Equity and Resources for Indiana Girls

Indianapolis, IN; March 19, 2014; 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Attendees will meet and network with individuals who are interested and influential in promoting STEM fields and making STEM more accessible and attractive to people who are not currently represented. Keynotes include Glenda Ritz, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Congresswoman Susan Brooks, Ind-5th District.  

FabFems Spotlight

The FabFems Spotlight highlights women from the FabFems Role Model Directory. FabFems are enthusiastic about the science and technology work they do and want to inspire a future generation of FabFems. 

Meet Keshia Ashe, a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut and the Co-Founder and CEO of ManyMentors. She is passionate about mentoring middle and high school students. She served as a speaker and trainer to educate young people and adults on the benefits of incorporating a youth perspective into strategic decision making. ManyMentors is an organization that aims to inspire, encourage, and support underrepresented students' interest in STEM fields. From middle schoolers to young working professionals, they connect individuals to near-age mentors who can make opportunities in STEM become more visible, valuable, and viable. Read More 

Looking for a FabFem like Keshia to connect with in your area? Search www.fabfems.org.

This month we feature Jean May-Brett, MSP Program Director and STEM Partnership Program Coordinator for the Louisiana Department of Education. She was nominated for this spotlight because "she is a driving force for change in education in the state of Louisiana. She works tirelessly to boost the numbers of girls (and boys) in STEM with every opportunity she has. When you need to know someone in the state to collaborate with for girls in STEM, Jean has a contact that gets the ball rolling! Her passion for what the Louisiana STEM Girls Collaborative does is matched only by her compassion all around her. She is truly a Collaborative gem and encompasses what the NGCP is all about."

What excites you most about the work you do every day? I love being able to connect people with people and resources, information and partners.

What drew you to participate in the LaSTEM Collaborative Project in a leadership capacity? When I first heard about the NGCP I began anticipating when we would find the way to bring it to Louisiana. And, following some chance and early exchanges with Karen [Peterson] at different events and meetings it was clear once in Louisiana the collaborative would be a means of bringing forward programs to support female students reaching to achieve and succeed. 

Which NGCP resources do you find most valuable?  The people. For now, the national guidance and sharing offered from others in the NGCP network is something we are building our foundation on. We are building our Program Directory and I believe it will be our best tool for work in-state.

How has being involved in NGCP impacted your work? I have been able to add names and organizations to the network of people and programs who are ready to partner in supporting underserved and underrepresented populations in the STEM fields. I have been able to share information with a broader community. As IBM, GE, General Dynamics open their new facilities in Louisiana and the state continues to advance offerings in technical careers, encouraging female students is something we must do for 21st Century success. 

Who are your role models? The most important was my mother. Along the path of my work and career there have been wonderful women who I have learned from and worked with. In college, Dr. Joyce Swartney was all about people and learning. As a K-12 educator, Dr. Sharon Walker provided a scientific push at a time when I might have thought about coasting. When I stepped into the informal education community learning and working at Louisiana Public Broadcasting, it was Claudia Fowler and a great production team who inspired me and gave me a recharge.

Resources

African American History Month: In recognition of African American History Month, resources that serve to promote African American students in STEM are highlighted below:

Black Scientists and Inventors Lesson Plan 

To help educators integrate Black History Month into their classrooms, the National Education Association offers a selection of lesson plans. The Black Scientists and Inventors lesson plan features content that celebrates the contributions of African American scientists.

International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) 

The International Association of Black Actuaries is a professional and student member organization whose mission is to contribute to an increase in the number of black actuaries and to influence the successful career development, civic growth, and achievement of black actuaries.

Code.org's Intro to Computer Science Course

This free course aims to demystify computer science and show K-8 students that it's fun, collaborative, and creative. The course is designed to motivate students and educators to continue learning computer science to improve real world relationships, connections, and life. For a limited time when 15 students finish the course educators will receive $750 to DonorsChoose. If 7 or more of those students are girls, educators can earn an additional $250. 

Computing and Engineering in Afterschool

This Afterschool Alliance issue brief explores how afterschool programs are offering innovative hands-on computing and engineering education opportunities. The brief also highlights the winner of the Afterschool STEM Impact Award, Project GUTS in Santa Fe, NM, and other exemplary programs.

Engineering for You (E4U) 

E4U is a video contest to highlight the impact that engineering has had, or will have, on society. A $25,000 prize will be awarded to the best video that depicts how engineering enhances quality of life and serving the needs of society. The video must highlight a period during the years 1964-2064. Submission deadline: March 31, 2014.

DiscoverE Educator Awards Application 

The DiscoverE Educator Awards recgonize educators who are inspiring tomorrow's innovation generation. Nominate an educator who is helping students discover engineering. Application deadline: March 14, 2014. 

Moody's Mega Math Challenge (M3)  

The M3 Challenge is an Internet-based, applied math competition for high school students. The contest is free and open to high school juniors and seniors in 46 US states. Working in teams of three to five, participants solve an open-ended, math-modeling problem focused on a realistic issue-in 14 hours. The Challenge weekend is March 8 and 9, 2014. Registration is now open.

Outreach 4Δ Course 

4Δ is designed to make engineering a possibility for all girls. The course offers a variety of lessons, tools and strategies for educators and volunteers aimed at increasing the capacity and effectiveness of organizations engaged in outreach programs.

Open Meadows Foundation Grant 

The Meadows Foundation awards grants to projects that are led by and benefit women and girls. Grants fund projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls; reflect the diversity of the community served by the project in both its leadership and organization; promote building community power; and have limited financial access or have encountered obstacles in their search for funding. Application deadline: February 15, 2014. 

Top 10 Ways to Increase Girls' Participation in Computing Competitions

Are you interested in getting more girls involved in your computing competition? This Top 10 resource offers simple suggestions to make your competition appeal to a wider range of participants. Taking these steps will benefit all students and help make your event a success. 

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