December 1, 2020 is GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. When you donate to NGCP, your tax deductible donation goes directly to programs that support the enrichment of girls in your local community. Donate today.

Help the National Girls Collaborative when you shop! Use this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/47-1608990 when you shop at AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate to NGCP. Learn more.

Each month, this spotlight will highlight new programs, resources, and role models that are part of the IF/THEN® Initiative, an initiative from Lyda Hill Philanthropies designed to activate a culture shift among young girls and introduce them to STEM careers.

Meet AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador Dr. Siobahn Day Grady! Siobahn’s journey in computer coding began at an early age as she set out to learn what made her first computer game, Wheel of Fortune, tick. With that, Siobahn was on her way to developing websites and becoming a computer scientist. In 2018, she made history when she became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Siobahn’s path in computer science has led her inside and outside the classroom—she is an assistant professor of information systems at North Carolina Central University and is an active volunteer helping kids explore STEM skills and creativity. Recently, she worked with The Tech Interactive on the Get in the Game virtual activity: in the video series, Siobahn helps students learn how to use computational thinking to design board games.

Learn more about Siobahn through her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and see her photos, videos, and more in the IF/THEN Collection.

The IF/THEN® Collection includes thousands of images, videos, posters, and materials available for FREE to educators across the U.S. to use in classrooms, social media, camps, museum exhibits, and more. Stay connected to IF/THEN:

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of computing, the richness of computing careers, and the critical need for computer science (CS) education. CSEdWeek is a call to action to inspire students and colleagues about CS education, to employ new and better strategies for engagement, and to connect with the broader community around the need for and value of CS education.

In this webinar, participants will hear from teachers, counselors, and students of all ages about their experiences in cybersecurity, an opportunity to introduce students to cyber skills and careers. This webinar is presented by CYBER.ORG and Counselors for Computing, a program of NCWIT. Register.

The workshop for Women in Hardware and Systems Security (WISE) aims to attract more women to join the field of hardware and systems security (HSS) and provide a forum for the women in HSS to support each other. This virtual workshop includes keynote and visionary talks, panel discussion, oral presentations, hardware demos, as well as mini-tutorials. Selective presentations will be posted in the WISE YouTube channel. Register.

For professionals interested in learning about innovative mathematical research, advancing mathematical achievement, providing the communication and tools to progress in the field, encouraging mathematical research, and connecting with the mathematical community. The 2021 Virtual JMM will be a somewhat scaled-back version of the traditional meeting. It will remain devoted to mathematics research, teaching, advancement, and achievement, as well as time for conversation with friends and colleagues. Register.

The AAAS is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of all people. The 2021 theme, "Understanding Dynamic Ecosystems" seeks to feature diverse ways of understanding the complexities and dynamics of biological, physical, social, and economic systems across scales, as well as strengthening and activating new connections to address underlying problems in various spheres. Register.

The annual AMTE conference provides inclusive opportunities for a diverse community of mathematics educators to share current research and practice findings. Register.

Educators and leaders serving K-12 students in afterschool, summertime, and beyond will have the opportunity to engage in professional development and capacity building. The four workshop strands are: Preparing Children for Success, Program Fundamentals, Supporting the Support System, and Youth Engagement. Register.

The Connectory is a free online collaboration tool for program providers that helps them find partners based on interests, and showcases STEAM opportunities for youth to families.

Girlstart Starry Nights at Home: Held the first Thursday of the month (except December for 2020), each month features a new astronomy experience (January 7th features an Inuit Lore Star Show) with material lists for hands-on activities, virtual star shows, and activity blogs.

Saturday STEM Academy Winter 2021: Girls 4 Science is offering this free opportunity for girls age 10-18. Winter quarter is Saturdays January 16-February 20 and will focus on Microbiology.

Get Started and stay connected to The Connectory:

The annual report on K-12 computer science in the U.S. includes policy trends, maps, state-by-state summaries, and implementation data. Previous issues of this report failed to include participation and access data for students with disabilities, English language learners, and disaggregated data on female and male students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. In an effort to improve understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in CS, this year’s report attempts to illuminate the opportunities and accessibility of CS courses for more diverse students.

CodeBytes is a new series of 20 minute interactive lessons that will stream twice daily during Computer Science Education Week, December 7-11. CodeBytes are designed to fit smoothly into a distance learning plan and episodes are tailored to different grade levels.

Google just released a new CS First activity that can be used completely offline and without a computer, as part of this year’s Hour of Code. CS First Unplugged includes a printable booklet with three computational thinking activities for students in grades 4-8 to learn how computer science helps us communicate and stay connected with people around the world.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched the goIT Monthly Challenge – an extension of the flagship STEM education program, goIT. Each month, students are challenged to leverage technology to solve a problem that aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For December’s challenge, TCS is partnering with the Philadelphia Flyer’s mascot, Gritty, to encourage students to ideate a digital innovation that promotes acts of kindness in their communities (SDG #17). Sign up at the goITMC website.

This thought-leadership magazine from NCWIT, advocates for a more diverse, equal, and inclusive technology industry. Gain insights on inclusion from experts who guide our shifting culture, from technologists whose innovations undoubtedly impact our daily lives, and from change leaders who use their positions of influence to reveal the potential in everyone. Drawing on NCWIT Conversations for Change: an online thought leadership series for the inaugural issue, delve deeper into the world of biased bots and altruistic algorithms, the role of technology as both a conservative and revolutionary force, Native American experiences and re-claiming narratives, and more.

As part of this year's Hour of Code activities, students can explore the oceans with SciGirls. In this online coding adventure, youth take Subby the submarine through underwater challenges, using code to find various items and collect scientific data on the ocean floor. Designed for grades 2-8.

The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer programming, designed to demystify code. Students of all ages choose from self-guided tutorials. Participants do not need prior computer programming experience. Tutorials are available in 45 languages and work on any modern browser, tablet, smartphone, or even with no computer at all. How-to guides, lesson plans, Teacher Forum, and FAQ's are available.