Girls Science Technology Engineering and Math
(STEM) Institute (GSI)
Girls STEM Institute (GSI) is a STEM learning program designed to provide holistic learning opportunities for scholars aged 7-18 who are underrepresented in STEM fields with a particular focus on Black girls. Currently, GSI is implemented as a summer institute and Saturday workshops during the school year. During the school year, GSI also offers parent/caregiver workshops to assist and empower parents/caregivers as they advocate on behalf of their scholars. GSI provides scholars with an opportunity to develop an understanding of mathematics and other STEM concepts in a meaningful and culturally grounded context. Within GSI’s rich, academically challenging, relevant, and supportive setting, scholars have the freedom to grow interpersonally and intellectually. Through GSI framework of socially transformative STEM curriculum (Mutegi, 2011), scholars are provided access to powerful STEM learning experiences that challenge them to think deeply and critically. As STEM learners, they are empowered to use STEM as a tool for personal and social change. The goals of GSI are to:
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Engage girls and young women in culturally grounded, inquiry-based STEM curricula through hands-on and minds-on experiences.
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Instill girls and young women with the interest and confidence to pursue math or other STEM careers and engage in STEM related extracurricular activities while providing opportunities to interact with STEM professionals.
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Challenge girls and young women to think critically about STEM concepts.
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Empower girls and young women to “read and write world with STEM” (understand how STEM related concepts can be used to address inequities in their personal lives and community).
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Provide academic enrichment through tutorial support, homework help, and state and SAT/ACT test preparation.
Our Pillars
What We Do
Career Exposure and Exploration
Providing hands-on experiences, mentorship, and direct engagement with diverse STEM professionals and career pathways.
Youth Empowerment
Building self-confidence, fostering resilience, and instilling a sense of self-worth in scholars.
Critical Consciousness
Humanizing life experiences and equipping scholars with the tools to become change agents in STEM and beyond.
Holistic Enrichment
Addressing the overall well-being of scholars through mental, physical, and emotional health initiatives.
GSI has established over 40 partnerships with university departments, grassroots organizations, and STEM-based businesses, ensuring sustainability and access to invaluable resources.
Since its inception, GSI's programming has expanded from Indiana into four additional states: NC, GA, and FL (through virtual programming) and VA-Hampton Roads (2023 face-to-face expansion summer program).
2025 Promo
GSI Blogs
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Anissa - Scholar
As a GSI summer scholar, I participated in engaging activities that kept me learning all summer and made the transition back to school easier for me.
Kourtney - Parent
The variety of activities offered is remarkable. My daughter explored robotics, aeronautics, nursing, and even forensic entomology, experiences that left a lasting mark and deepened her passion for STEM.
Janice - Scholar
This is the best camp I’ve been to because I feel loved and welcomed instead of like a regular kid who joined a camp.
Zaria - Scholar
Girls STEM Institute showed me how much I love STEM and introduced me to people in different fields, giving me more career options for the future.