Girls Science Technology Engineering and Math
(STEM) Institute (GSI)
Girls STEM Institute (GSI) is a culturally grounded, research-informed STEM learning initiative that provides holistic learning experiences for scholars from elementary school through college. GSI is intentionally designed to address barriers historically experienced by girls from communities underrepresented in STEM, with a particular focus on Black girls.
Through summer institutes, school-year programming, mentoring, college and career readiness, family engagement, and community-based STEM experiences, GSI creates opportunities for scholars and families to learn, grow, and build pathways toward future success.
GSI engages scholars in mathematics and other STEM concepts through meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences. Within GSI’s rich, academically challenging, relevant, and supportive environment, scholars have the freedom to grow interpersonally and intellectually.
Grounded in a framework of socially transformative STEM curriculum (Mutegi, 2011), GSI provides scholars access to powerful STEM learning experiences that challenge them to think deeply and critically about themselves, STEM, and the world around them. As STEM learners, scholars are empowered to develop their identities, recognize their potential, and use STEM as a tool for personal and social change.
The goals of GSI are to:
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Engage scholars in holistic, culturally grounded, inquiry-based STEM learning through hands-on and minds-on experiences.
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Affirm and nurture scholars’ STEM identity, interest, confidence, and sense of belonging while expanding their awareness of and pathways to STEM education, degrees, and careers.
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Challenge scholars to think deeply and critically about STEM and support them in “reading and writing the world with STEM” by applying STEM concepts to their lives and communities.
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Connect scholars with mentors, STEM professionals, college students, role models, and peers while supporting their academic development, leadership, and college and career readiness.
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Partner with families to support their scholars’ educational journeys by providing educational resources, advocacy tools, and family engagement workshops.
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 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.