Neurodiversity refers to variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood and other mental functions. As a term, it can include a multitude of neuro-variations such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mental health. Therefore, we work with and teach neurodiverse learners everyday. Join us as we learn more about neurodiversity and best practices for engaging neurodiverse learners in STEM programming.

Presenters: Sara Sanders Gardner, a neurodiverse individual and program director of Bellevue College’s Neurodiversity Navigators program, will provide a general framework and share insights and strategies.

Elinore (Ellie) Gaitan, a current college student, will share her experiences growing up as a person with autism, her decision to study biochemistry, and strategies and tools that have helped her succeed.

NGCP has compiled this list of resources for all who are seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and systemic racism in the United States. We will continue to add to this list to support our fight against racism.

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, Greetchen Díaz-Muñoz. Greetchen is a scientist, educator, communicator and advocate of diversity and inclusion in the careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially girls and women. Throughout her professional career, Greetchen has participated in countless initiatives to promote these disciplines, both in Puerto Rico and in the United States. Her efforts include the creation of projects and collaborations in education, communication, community outreach and science public policy. Greetchen, who was a volunteer at Ciencia Puerto Rico for almost ten years, is currently Director of the Science Education Program and Community Partnerships of the organization. At Ciencia Puerto Rico, she founded the Borinqueña blog, focused on empowering Hispanic and Puerto Rican women and girls in STEM, and the Program “Semillas de Triunfo” (Seeds of Success). “Semillas de Triunfo” is a STEM Ambassadors program — the first of its kind in Puerto Rico — that motivates middle and high school girls to pursue STEM careers, but above all to develop their leadership skills. So far, the program has directly impacted 250 girls and they have reached almost 16,000 people through their STEM ambassador projects. This year, Greetchen joined other Latina Ambassadors to host an IF/THEN edition of “Semillas de Triunfo” that will impact nearly 500 middle school girls in Puerto Rico. Keep up with Greetchen on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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

vGHC is the world's largest gathering of women technologists. Learn, network, and be inspired to work together to achieve intersectional gender and pay parity in tech. This year's theme is #TogetherWeBuild. Register.

The NCPN conference is a professional development opportunity offering informative presentations, keynote speakers, and other timely information for professionals in Career Pathways, CTE, and workforce and economic development. Register.

Conference focuses on educational, professional and workforce development. The conference will include most of the traditional in-person activities through the virtual platform including networking suites, an opening ceremony, sessions for all tracks, research presentations, Indian Country's largest College and Career Fair, and so much more. As a virtual event, AISES can provide conference attendees new ways to safely network, learn, and interact with all conference attendees and presenters. Register.

ASTC is an organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering public engagement with science among diverse audiences. This year's theme "New Frontiers in Science, Technology, Learning, and Community Engagement toward a more Equitable Tomorrow" will explore the future of our institutions, our work, and our impact in our communities. ASTC has issued a new Rapid Call for Virtual Session Proposals that specifically address the individual, organizational, and societal challenges we are currently facing. Register.

Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool draws attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, and robotics—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs. Visit the Lights On Afterschool website to get event ideas on how to celebrate with students (remote or in-person), showcase your program to your community, and find out ways to participate without hosting an event.

Participants will have the opportunity to network, participate in team-building activities, and learn about the latest trends and research in innovative and quality out-of-school time programming. Register.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is recognized as the most comprehensive educational technology conference in the world. To protect the health and safety of participants, 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.

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.

New Opportunity Reach Feature: Nationwide Option

Questions about our new feature? Email us at info@theconnectory.org.

Get Started and stay connected to The Connectory:

Founded at Purdue University, the Ameliators Program continues the trailblazing legacy of Amelia Earhart by connecting high school students to meaningful STEM-based community service projects. Available nationwide, girls in this free, online program will meet weekly to learn the Purdue EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) design process from college mentors to solve real-life problems in their local communities over the course of an academic year. Registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th - October 15, 2019), here are some resources that serve to promote Latino(a) students in STEM:

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Application deadline is November 5, 2020.

The Hypatia Initiative is an international youth-led nonprofit organization based in Turkey. The Hypatia Initiative follows the footprints of its namesake Hypatia of Alexandria: female philosopher, astronomer and mathematician in the 4th century. The central aim of The Hypatia Initiative is to educate, connect, inspire and empower young girls in STEAM areas and reduce the gender gap in STEAM fields all around the world. They do this through monthly prompts that show girls successes, interviews with women in STEAM fields, and via networking opportunities for girls to meet others with similar interests.