Science Club for Girls

Science Club for Girls is a Cambridge nonprofit that builds excitement, confidence and literacy in science, technology, engineering and math for girls and gender-expansive youth from underrepresented communities. Its programs are free and hands-on, and they put participants in regular contact with women working or studying in STEM. The organization focuses on young people underrepresented in STEM by income, race or being first-generation college-bound, meeting them in schools, community centers and after-school settings.

Founded in 1994, the organization responds to persistent gaps: women make up less than 29 percent of the STEM workforce, and Black and Latina women less than 4 percent. Programs run from kindergarten through high school, with older participants taking on junior mentoring and leadership roles. Companies can get involved through sponsored packing events, where employee volunteers hear about the organization and help prepare curriculum kits for the clubs.

What to Know

• More than 83% of participants and over 60% of mentors come from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM.
• Over a 13-year span, more than 90% of participating high school juniors and seniors went on to college.
• Corporate volunteer events can host up to 40 volunteers.
• Honors include a New England Innovation Award and a MetLife Foundation AfterSchool Innovator award.
• It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.