Brite is an online, interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program built for girls ages 13-16 offered by National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) and Smart Girls HQ, through initial funding from the National Science Foundation and continued funding from The Volgenau Foundation.
In this webinar recording, Dr. Roxanne Hughes, Associate Professor in Science Education at Florida State University, shares research findings from the Brite program, and the Brite team walks through six Brite Practices that educators and program leaders can integrate into their own programming. These resources will help you cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment that creates a deeper connection to STEM and empowers young people to see themselves as future innovators.
NGCP hosted this webinar on January 16, 2026.
Brite Research Publications:
Hughes, R., Britsch, B., Dominguez, R., Lucas, K., Olukeye, A., Ndubuisi, S., Zogheib, K. (2025). Instilling a Sense of Belonging in STEM Through a Virtual Summer Program for Girls. Connected Science Learning, 7(5), 138–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/24758779.2025.2552958
Hughes, R., Dominguez, R., Lucas, K., Ndubuisi, S., Britsch, B., Levinsky-Raskin, S., Olukeye, A., Sullivan, A., & Zogheib, K. (2026). The Bright Future of Online Programming for Girls’ STEM Identity Development. Education Sciences, 16(1), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci1601009
Dr. Roxanne Hughes
Dr. Roxanne Hughes is the Director of the Center for Integrating Research and Learning (CIRL) at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) and an Associate Professor in the School of Teacher Education at Florida State University. She has extensive experience in STEM teaching and informal STEM education, with a research focus on STEM identity—one’s sense of belonging and potential success within a chosen STEM field. Her work has influenced policies and programs that engage students across K-12 and higher education in STEM, helping them envision successful futures in these fields. Her nationally recognized research has informed strategies for educators and role models to create supportive environments for young people in STEM. In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Hughes was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She also serves in leadership and advisory roles, including membership on the American Physical Society’s Forum on Outreach and Engaging the Public.
Abi Olukeye
Abi Olukeye is the CEO of Smart Girls HQ (soon to be Ingenia Learning), leading the design of experiential learning systems that connect STEM education to future workforce pathways. With over 20 years of experience in product design and digital transformation, she has developed learning solutions reaching more than 25,000 students nationwide. Her work operates at the intersection of education, workforce, and innovation, grounded in research collaborations with the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation and her ongoing PhD research in AI-driven adaptive learning systems.
Lorena Harris, Ph.D.
Lorena Harris, Ph.D., Doctor in Biological Sciences. Assistant Professor in Biology and Educator Developer at SUNY Schenectady County Community College.
She led the CSTEP program for eight years as STEM Director, Latina educational developer. She is a member of NY STEAM Girls Collaborative, NGCP, AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science), APACS (Association for Program Administrators of CSTEP and STEP) and ACS (American Chemical Society). She is the 2024 Dr. John Staley Award for Outstanding Service; 2019 Margaret Ashida STEM Leadership Award recipient, educator, mom and a STEM Latina Role Model.
Eileen Healy
Eileen Healy (she/her) is the Chief Science Officers International Program Director. She oversees the global CSO student STEM ambassadors' program with over 2,000 CSOs in 15 states and 3 countries. Eileen graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, Political Science, and Latin American Studies. She later obtained a Master's of Science in Translation and Interpreting from New York University. Eileen has always loved engaging with youth in informal education. Leading the CSO program is a culmination of her passion for youth empowerment and her enthusiasm for global engagement.
Giselle Escajeda
Giselle Escajeda is a Program Coordinator at Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) and a UC Berkeley graduate with a degree in Gender and Women’s Studies. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about supporting young people from underserved communities and helping them see what’s possible for their futures. Through her work at SAfG, she helps run programs that build confidence, spark curiosity, and open doors to new opportunities. In her free time, Giselle enjoys crafting, gardening, and reading with her cat Hades.
Programs and Initiatives
