After-School STEM Programs for Girls in Tennessee
GrantID: 44801
Grant Funding Amount Low: $150,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $150,000
Summary
Grant Overview
After-School STEM Programs for Girls in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the gender gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields continues to be a formidable barrier for young girls, impacting their career choices and future opportunities. Despite efforts to promote gender equity in education, only 29% of female students in Tennessee report feeling confident in their STEM skills, according to a 2021 survey by the Tennessee Department of Education. This gap not only affects their academic successes but also perpetuates a cycle of underrepresentation in critical industries.
Girls from rural areas and under-resourced schools face additional challenges, including limited access to advanced STEM courses, lack of female role models in these fields, and socio-economic constraints that can restrict their extracurricular participation. Furthermore, the absence of hands-on experiences in STEM can discourage girls from pursuing these subjects, leading to missed opportunities in high-demand careers.
The funding initiative aims to address these barriers by supporting after-school STEM programs specifically designed for girls in Tennessee. By providing mentoring from women in STEM fields and engaging activities, these programs aim to bolster interest and confidence in science and technology. The hands-on experiences not only enhance participants' skill sets but also allow them to explore various career pathways, encouraging them to envision futures in STEM professions.
This initiative also seeks to create a community around these young girls, fostering collaboration and networking with peers who share similar aspirations. By focusing on girls, the program guarantees that efforts to promote STEM engagement are gender-inclusive, which is essential for changing perceptions about who can succeed in these fields. As girls see successful female mentors and participate in collaborative projects, they are more likely to pursue further education and careers in STEM.
Tennessee’s unique educational landscape, with its focus on STEM workforce development, provides fertile ground for this initiative to thrive. By aligning funding with the state’s economic goals, these after-school programs also contribute to building a future workforce that is representative of the population, thus breaking the cycle of underrepresentation.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
