January 2015

In This Issue

Collaborative Network Activities

FabFems Spotlight

Upcoming STEM Events
Champions for Collaboration

Quick Links

NGCP Updates

NGCP Webinar Breaking Stereotypes: How Role Models and Mentors are Inspiring Girls in STEM

January 28, 2015; 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Pacific

Role models and mentors, at any age, professional stage, or geographical location can break stereotypes and inspire youth to cultivate and pursue their passions in STEM fields. This national webinar will explore how role models and mentors are creating impact in national and international settings, and through in-person and online environments. Participants will explore programs, resources, and opportunities for getting involved in role modeling and mentoring. Register

Collaborative Network Activities

Mid-Atlantic Girls Collaborative (MAGiC) Project Professional Development Forum

Baltimore, MD; January 15, 2015; 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Attendees will learn about MAGiC, explore ways to engage role models, network, and gain access to research on incorporating evidence-based practices into their programs.

SciGirls Training at the Thinkery

Austin, TX; January 17, 2015; 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Attendees will participate in a hands-on, minds-on professional development and will practice proven strategies for engaging girls in STEM while building a device to measure wind speed and lighting up a room with dough creatures.

SciGirls Professional Development

Waco, TX; January 31, 2015; 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Participants will learn about the latest research for exciting and engaging girls (and boys) in STEM, experience hands-on activities, and gain access to free, video-enhanced activities that put a creative twist on teaching STEM.

STEAM Powered Collaborations for Girls: Celebrating the Successes!
Lafayette, LA; March 28, 2015; 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Attendees will connect with like-minded participants, hear how LaSTEM Girls Collaborative Project mini-grant recipients have enhanced STEM opportunities for girls in Louisiana, become inspired to make a positive difference for girls, and learn how to create positive collaborations.
Register

NGCP Collaborative Mini-Grants

NGCP mini-grants are designed to enhance access to and build collaboration between programs and resources. Mini-grant application resources, including a sample application, exemplary practices, project ideas, and frequently asked questions are available online. Open and closing dates are listed below and more information is available on each Collaborative website.

New York STEAM Girls Collaborative Project: December 3, 2014 - January 21, 2015

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. Search the Role Model Directory to find FabFems to connect with in your area.

Kelvina Burrell

Meet Kelvina, Application & Process Manager for the Network Emergency Management Preparedness & Readiness at AT&T. She is responsible for providing process improvements through IT automation. She has a passion for technology and finance and loves to help others grow and develop. Her advice for young ladies is that by being goal-oriented, ambitious, and intelligent there is no challenge you cannot overcome. Visit Kelvina's profile to learn more.

We benefit from role models at all stages of our lives. The FabFems Role Model Directory is excited to have more college students joining the directory and recognizing the power they have as role models.

Stay connected to FabFems:

Upcoming STEM Events

Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) International Meeting

Portland, OR; January 7-10, 2015

ASTE is dedicated to continuing the professional growth and development of individuals who work in, or have a strong interest in, issues related to science teacher education. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a wide-range of professional development workshops. Register

Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference
Orlando, FL; February 12-14, 2015

This conference features thought-provoking sessions and opportunities to network and collaborate with mathematics teacher educators. Session topics include Equity and Mathematics Education, Teacher Professional Development, and Teaching and Learning with Technology. Register

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting
San Jose, CA; February 12-15, 2015

The AAAS is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of all people. This event features lectures that explore a diverse range of recent developments in science and technology with world-renowned plenary speakers. Register

Beyond School Hours XVIII

Orlando, FL; February 18-21, 2015

Educators and administrators will have the opportunity to network, share ideas, and engage in professional development and capacity building. Register

Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) National Policy Seminar

Arlington, VA; March 2-4, 2015

The ACTE National Policy Seminar provides participants with advocacy tips and tools to promote their programs at the local, state, and federal levels. Participants will discuss policy issues affecting their programs. Register

National Afterschool Association (NAA) Convention

Washington, DC; March 8-11, 2015

The NAA is dedicated to the development, education, and care of children and youth during their out-of-school hours. Participants will share successes in afterschool and summer programs and connect with leaders and experts. Register

International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Conference

Milwaukee, WI; March 26-28, 2015

ITEEA is a professional association focused on providing and meeting the professional development needs of classroom teachers, supervisors, curriculum writers, and teacher educators who are interested in developing technological literacy. Conference sessions include Establishing International Technology and Engineering STEM Partnerships, How Female Students Engage in Engineering Design, and Collaboration Across STEM Fields in Program Development. Register

Champions for Collaboration

NGCP Champions Board members are selected to provide the NGCP with a balance of expertise and regional representation. We highlight Champions Board members to inspire and inform your work to engage girls in STEM. This month we feature Dr. Michael Smith (known to many as Dr. Mike), Deputy Executive Director, Internal Operations at the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM). The National GEM Consortium works to increase the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master's and doctoral levels in engineering and science.

Dr. Michael Smith

What excites you most about your work? When I am able to interact directly with youth engaged in STEM activities. Students are dreamers! To hear young boys and especially girls, talk about how they invent, create, or change the world through math and science is the fuel that drives my passion for engineering education.

What do you most appreciate in a collaborator? I appreciate matched passion and an open mind to innovate and potentially non-traditional ideas toward engaging girls in STEM. We have to meet students "where they are" and engage at a level that is fun and exciting for them.

Who are your role models? My role models are the other champions throughout the diversity STEM effort that continue to work through the challenges and road blocks and meet success through patience. One of my key role models specific to getting girls excited about engineering is Betty Shanahan, former CEO of the Society of Women Engineers. She is a true champion, not only for girls, but for other underrepresented groups in STEM and she puts her money and actions where her mouth is.

What advice would you give to the NGCP community? Remain vigilant and keep patience. There is so much good work being done though NGCP, yet so much more to do throughout a variety of diverse communities. Never be afraid to ask the important questions that may lead to support of your efforts when creating collaborations. And finally, know that sometimes a little goes a long way. Use the resources that you DO have to the fullest.

STEM Resources

January is National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors to guide our youth. Research shows girls benefit from relationships with role models and mentors who can provide valuable information about STEM careers.

The FabFems Project

The FabFems Project has a collection of resources for role models, educators, and parents to inspire and educate girls about science, computer science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses and careers. Resources include Resources for Role Models, Resources for Girls, Community Highlights, and FabFems Events.

Techbridge

Techbridge offers a downloadable resource for effective outreach by role models and corporations. Techbridge also offers a new online training for role models.

Women@Energy

Women@Energy showcases talented and dedicated employees at the Department of Energy who are helping change the world. View profiles of women across the country, sharing what inspired them to work in STEM, as well as ideas for engaging underrepresented groups in STEM.

NGCP Role Models and Mentoring Resources

Visit the NGCP Role Models and Mentoring page for many more resources.

MathMovesU Middle School Scholarship

Raytheon's MathMovesU program engages middle school students in math and science through interactive learning programs, contest, live events, scholarships, and tutoring programs. The MathMovesU Middle School Scholarship awards students $1,000 scholarships to attend math and science summer camps and programs, or save the money for college. Application deadline is February 7, 2015.

NCWIT's Top 10 Ways to Engage Underrepresented Students in Computing

This resource provides tips on engaging students from historically underrepresented populations in computing courses. Methods range from encouraging words to inclusive classroom environments.

ProjectCSGIRLS Competition for Middle School Girls

The ProjectCSGIRLS Competition for Middle School Girls challenges participants (grades 6-8) to build something using computer science and technology to solve an imminent social problem under one of three themes - global health, a safer world, and intelligent technology. Registration deadline is February 15, 2015. To request a mentor, register by February 1, 2015.

SciGirls Episodes in Spanish

SciGirls is a PBS Kids television series out to change how tweens think about STEM. In each episode, join bright, curious real girls in putting STEM to work. Seasons one and two are now available in Spanish.

STELAR: ITEST Project Spotlight
The STELAR website includes a collection of interviews with staff from projects that are funded through NSF's ITEST Program. Most recently staff from Bits-2-Bites, a project based at the Science Museum of Minnesota, shared their program's strategy for engaging diverse and underrepresented youth.

NGCP Program Directory: Search for Collaborating Programs or Register Your Program! The online Program Directory highlights programs that focus on motivating girls to pursue STEM careers. The purpose of the directory is to help organizations and individuals network, share resources, and collaborate on STEM-related projects for girls.

Global Resources

DiscovHER
Developed by L'Or�al-UNESCO for Women in Science, DiscovHER is the first online media dedicated to women in science and spotlights women around the world who are driving scientific progress.

Partners

About Us

The National Girls Collaborative Project™ is partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, GSE/EXT: National Girls Collaborative Project: Building the Capacity of STEM Practitioners to Develop a Diverse Workforce, Grant No. HRD-1103073.