Changing the Game for Girls in STEM: Findings on High Impact Programs and System-Building Strategies

From Intel to Facebook, Google and Apple, technology companies are joining other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industry leaders in a grand challenge to diversify their workforce. Finally, two sides of the diversity message can be heard simultaneously: expanding opportunities for women and girls is not just the right thing to do, investing in diversity is also a smart business opportunity. To meet workforce supply demands, improve innovation, and ensure social equity, STEM professions need the imaginations and talents of girls and underrepresented communities of color. Diversifying the workforce is a win-win goal. Here, we offer effective and promising strategies for promoting diverse girls’ opportunities in STEM, leveling the playing field for girls and addressing workforce shortages. These strategies were identified by a research team led by Techbridge who reviewed a wide array of published materials, interviewed leaders of nationally recognized STEM initiatives, and drew upon lessons learned from Techbridge’s 16 year history supporting girls in STEM. Our strategies include applying a girl-centric and culturally responsive design process for recruiting and retaining girls in STEM, and strengthening the STEM ecosystem. Throughout the paper we also highlight exemplary practices of girl-serving organizations that are putting these strategies into action. These organizations represent the cutting edge of engineering a revolution for girls in STEM.