The path to STEM careers often begins with early exposure and encouragement. For girls in underserved communities, access to engaging STEM education can be transformative, opening doors to future opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. iBIO’s STEMgirls Summer Camp, which served 128 girls in Waukegan during 2024, is actively working to bridge this opportunity gap.

 

Why STEM Access Matters

Girls from underserved communities face unique challenges in pursuing STEM careers. These challenges are related to systemic disparities in access to resources and support. These “opportunity gaps” include limited exposure to role models, fewer resources, and persistent stereotypes about who “belongs” in STEM fields and have been shown to drive the differences in educational attainment and earnings between children from low-income and higher-income households.1 STEMgirls tackles these barriers head-on by providing hands-on experiences that help participants see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Building STEM Identity Through Experience

The 2024 program demonstrated remarkable success in helping girls develop their STEM identity:
– Significant increase in students identifying as “future scientists” (39% to 46%)
– Enhanced confidence in STEM abilities across all grade levels
– 73% of participants developed stronger belief in their ability to grow their intelligence
– 61% now express interest in STEM careers

Proven Impact

The program’s comprehensive approach yields measurable results:
– Participants showed increased familiarity with diverse STEM careers, including biomechanics (77% to 93%)
– 77% plan to pursue higher education
– 48% retention rate among eligible participants
– 100% parent satisfaction and recommendation ratelearn about partnership opportunities for STEMgirls 2025.*

Community Investment Opportunity for 2025

As we prepare for 2025, we’re seeking community partners to join Lead Sponsor Abbott, Amgen, and the Steans Family Foundation in expanding this vital program.

Supporting STEMgirls means investing in:

– Hands-on STEM experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence
– Early exposure to diverse STEM careers
– Development of problem-solving skills and growth mindset
– Family engagement in STEM learning

With 550 girls served since 2016, STEMgirls has proven its ability to nurture the next generation of STEM leaders. Your support can help expand this transformative program to reach more girls who could become tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Join us in building STEM identity and creating opportunities for girls in underserved communities. Contact Ann Vogel to learn about partnership opportunities for STEMgirls 2025.*