November 2023

NEWSLETTER

Full STEAM Forward is dedicated to promoting equity in science education by engaging girls of color from underserved communities in STEAM enrichment programs designed to foster a sustained passion for the sciences.

Dear FSF Community,

With Thanksgiving and the December holidays right around the corner, we want to wish you a healthy and peaceful season and New Year. With all that is going on in the world today, we feel blessed to be able to help improve the lives of our fellow citizens. Please consider donating to Full STEAM Forward this #Giving Tuesday, and help us promote equity in education for young girls of color.

With gratitude,

Joni Bessler

CEO, Full STEAM Forward

FSF KICKS OFF 2023-24 GUEST SPEAKER SERIES

Dr. Simone Hyater-Adams shared her experiences as an intern with NASA with our scholars during our first FSF Guest Speaker event of the 23-24 program

FSF SCHOLARS MEET WITH WOMEN OF COLOR EXCELLING IN STEM CAREERS

During the first week of November, FSF welcomed esteemed physicist Dr. Simone Hyater-Adams to chat with our girls about her experiences in STEM and the importance of representation in the field. Students were able to learn about her educational journey, her love of the arts, and how she continues to find innovative ways to blend her passions together in the hope of bringing more girls of color into the sciences. Thank you, Dr. Simone, for serving as a role model for our future scientists!

When girls of color are introduced to influential leaders of color in STEM, they begin to positively associate and identify with the idea that they, too, can find success in STEM.

(J. of STEM Education)

THE STEM GAP

According to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, women represent 27% of STEM workers, and women of color represent less than 7% of the STEM workforce.

Black and Hispanic women are under-represented in the fastest growing and best paying sectors of our economy.

We believe that we can increase the number of women of color entering STEM fields by providing girls with access to high-quality STEAM enrichment programs while they are still in elementary school.

CLOSING THE STEM GAP

At FSF, we're working to increase access to impactful STEAM programming by providing:

• Three years of free, high-quality, after-school programs for 3rd through 5th grade girls.
• Weekly classes that are delivered both online and in-person.
• Pre-packaged science and art supplies to complete hands-on projects.
• Access to women of color in STEM to act as role models.
• An alumni program that offers participation in STEM related activities.

If we can empower young girls of color with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in STEM, they will enter the labor market in fields that offer more opportunities and better pay, thus improving their financial outcomes and bringing much needed diversity to our STEM workforce.

Your contribution will give the gift of knowledge, self-confidence, and opportunity, to a young girl of color from an underserved community.

OUR SPONSORS

FSF's work would not be possible without the financial backing of our sponsors and community partners. Thank you for your support of our mission!