The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) has partnered with Sinking Ship Entertainment on their Dino Dana "Ask a Paleontologist" video series. Our Girls Advisory Board submitted video questions to paleontologists from around the world from different museums. The Girls Advisory Board is made up of young women that help NGCP review and provide feedback on current NGCP initiatives and assist in informing the future direction of the NGCP. New videos will be coming out each Thursday on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and will be posted to NGCP's YouTube channel.

In the spaces between school closures, summer learning loss, and online experiences, Brite debuted in the summer of 2020 to step into the gaps for middle and high school girls that result in a vacuum for women in science. This new summer experience was created in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project, the World Science Festival, and The Hello Studios in a first-of-its-kind collaboration. Throughout July, girls ages 13-16 joined summer camps featuring Brite activities and a series of talks with inspiring female scientists and science advocates. In this webinar, participants will learn about the successes and challenges of Brite from the creators and educators involved, sharing lessons learned and next steps to inspire and encourage others who are seeking creative ways to approach informal online STEM learning.

Here are blogs written by Brite Program educators, sharing their experiences, and providing strategies for building community through virtual programming.

GSK Science in the Summer™ is a free, informal science summer program for children entering grades 2-6. The program is designed to inspire students to become the next generation of scientists, through hands-on explorations based in real science careers, which may be implemented through in-person or virtual program models. The program seeks to serve children from traditionally underrepresented populations in STEM, including people of color, low socioeconomic status populations, rural communities, and girls. Sponsored by GSK, offered in partnership with The Franklin Institute, and supported by the National Girls Collaborative Project, the goal of this program is to increase children’s value of and confidence in doing science and pursuing STEM careers.

Applications are being accepted for two years of participation in the GSK Science in the Summer™ program in 2021-2022 from informal science education organizations such as science museums, science centers, children’s museums, and universities. Applications are due January 12, 2021.

To register for the upcoming application webinar on November 18, 2020 at 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern, visit the GSK Science in the Summer™ application webpage.

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 IF/THEN® Ambassador Nikki Sereika. Nikki is an Aircraft Maintenance Technician who keeps Boeing 737 airplanes in safe flying condition. Nikki started her career as an Administrative Assistant at Southwest Airlines, but decided to go back to school after discovering her new passion: “One walk through the hangar and I was sure of my future as a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician. It took night shifts and day classes but the reward was worth it.” Nikki brings her love of the job to middle school children during Southwest Airlines Aviation Days, and encourages young girls to pursue careers in aviation. “By choosing my career path, I am showing everyone, including the men I work with, that women can succeed in the big world of maintaining 737 aircraft. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, and don’t wait for anyone else to do it.”

Keep up with Nikki on Twitter, or Instagram, 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:

This free interview series was created to help parents, caregivers, and the children in their lives, to lead and thrive in the new homeschooling and e-learning educational model. Participants will be given tools and strategies that nurture an open mindset in children which could potentially lead to STEM interests. Reserve your seat.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is recognized as the most comprehensive educational technology conference in the world. ISTE20 is being transformed into ISTE20 Live, a fully virtual, immersive learning event. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with educators, presenters, and exhibitors in chats, meetups and virtual hallway conversations, as well as hands-on tool demos and peer-to-peer collaborations. Register.

Networking is the cornerstone of Association for Career and Technical Education's (ACTE) virtual event. Participants will have opportunities to gather for inspiring speakers and content-rich sessions covering new CTE program innovations that have emerged from the pandemic. Participants will have the flexibility to tailor their session times, and all registered attendees will receive access to all 300+ sessions post-event. Register.

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.

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.

The Connectory remains the largest, free, online directory connecting STEAM-rich program providers to families and the general public as well as like-minded organizations. Now, The Connectory has streamlined language, a new provider dashboard, and new opportunity reach options.

New Provider Language: What was previously called Program, is now Provider. Providers are organizations and individuals that offer K-12 STEAM opportunities for youth. Providers are listed on the Partner Search page, which is viewable by other Providers (must be logged in to view), and is there to aid collaboration. The terminology for existing Program submissions have been updated automatically to Provider submissions. Opportunities are still called Opportunities and can be seen by families and the general public on The Connectory.

New Dashboard: Providers will be able to see all of their Opportunities and Provider submission on their dashboard. The new layout has Opportunities listed at the top of the user dashboard with Provider listings at the bottom.

New Opportunity Reach Feature: Nationwide Option Providers can now select the reach for opportunities. This new feature enables Providers to select specific states where the opportunity is available. This feature increases the ability for families and caregivers to find your STEAM opportunities.

Questions about these new features? Email: info@theconnectory.org.

Get Started and stay connected to The Connectory:

An EngineerGirl Ambassador designs, develops, and implements a project in her local community that will encourage upper elementary or middle school girls to think about engineering and engineering careers. Potential EngineerGirl Ambassadors submit information about their proposed project along with supporting documents. Ambassadors are selected based on the feasibility, potential impact, and evidence of support for their proposal.

The NCWIT Scorecard shows trends in girls' and women's participation in computing in the U.S. over time, providing a benchmark for measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement. Users may download individual Excel workbooks for each sector (K-12, post-secondary, workforce) or the entire .zip file. Users can draw on this data for reports, presentations, proposals, and other research using the appropriate citation.

Native American traditions are steeped in science and engineering. Native American engineers and scientists have built on that legacy to benefit society. Learn more about notable STEM trailblazers and their contributions and access teacher resources by visiting the Native American Heritage Month website.

Made possible by support from the National Science Foundation, these radio stories are about fascinating women working and learning in STEM fields. Listen and learn about programs and practices throughout the U.S. designed to broaden the participation of women in STEM, featuring The Tech Club, aspiring teenage scientists talk with 54 women working in science and technology fields about why and how each of these women chose her career, what she does each day, and what she hopes to accomplish with her work.

The Connectory is the go-to place to find STEAM opportunities year-round. Many girl focused winter STEAM opportunities are available. Search by location, date, area of interest, and/or age group. If you are a program provider, join to collaborate with other STEAM providers and to promote your upcoming STEAM opportunities to families.

This free technology-based program is for girls (+transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming) ages 10-18. Working in teams, girls find a problem in their community and build a mobile app to help solve it. Along the way, they develop their collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Adults may participate as mentors, ambassadors, or judges. Registration for the 2020-2021 season is now open.

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