The California Girls STEM Collaborative brings together organizations throughout California that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), serving as a regional network of the National Girls Collaborative Project.
Strengthening Organizations. Advancing Girls in STEM
Why We Exist
CGSC believes STEM skills can be acquired by anyone and fostered in everyone. Our initiatives build confidence and create a community of "lifelong STEM activators." Through the power of collaboration, we spark curiosity and develop a passion for STEM while strengthening program capacity through sharing best practices, research, and program models. We are creating a sustainable infrastructure supporting girls' STEM education programs throughout California. Our resources are free and open to ALL programs for girls and boys.
Our Approach
- Networking and Collaboration: Building connections among people and programs to support each other throughout CA
- STEM Resources: Sharing curriculum, training tools, role model resources, etc.
- Research: Sharing data and research to support organization’s work and fundraising efforts
- Professional Development: Supporting organizations do their jobs better - providing fundraising, program evaluation, and best practices training
- Advocacy: Educating California’s leaders on the importance of engaging girls in STEM and keeping it a priority
What We're Providing
- A wide network of STEM-related organizations spanning K-12 education, after-school initiatives, community organizations, industry partners, and higher education
- Active online community sharing best practices and collaborative opportunities
- In-person convenings in SoCal and NorCal
- Professional development webinar series
- Bi-monthly newsletter
Why This Matters Now
- Addressing the Equity Gap: Despite tremendous progress in STEM education, significant disparities persist in who pursues and succeeds in STEM fields
- Economic Imperative: California's innovation economy demands a diverse, STEM-literate workforce
- Current Climate Challenges: Recent political shifts and backlash against DEI initiatives threaten progress in creating equitable STEM pathways
- Real Stories, Real Impact: Our collaborative can share evidence-based insights about what's working and what's at risk across California's diverse communities
Expected Outcomes for Member Organizations:
- Stronger Programs: Organizations will improve their STEM programming using shared resources and best practices.
- Valuable Connections: Organizations will build partnerships that expand their reach and resources.
Expected Outcomes for Girls in STEM: More girls from all backgrounds in California will have access to participate in quality STEM programs.
For more information, contact us at cagirlsstemcollaborative@gmail.com
Prinda Wanakule, PhD, Senior Director, Exhibits R&D: The Tech Interactive
Sonia Gandiaga, Executive Director: Mission Science Workshop
Dr. Mary Isaac, Program Directory: AAUW
Clea Matson, Education Consultant
Apply to be an Intern
The California Girls STEM Collaborative is currently looking for interns to support our work. Please contact Courtenay Carr Heuer at courtenay@carrheuer.org for more information.
Share Helpful Resources with the California Girls STEM Collaborative
Please share any resources that might benefit our Collaborative members. This could include upcoming events, curriculum tools, professional development opportunities, recent research, organizations to follow, or anything else you believe would be valuable to our community. Thank you for helping us stay connected and informed!
California Girls STEM Collaborative Sign Up
Please fill out this form if you would like to receive free STEM resources and invitations to free professional development opportunities to support your work in STEM education.