Overview

The Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative Project brings together organizations and programs that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue educational choices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to build a strong, diverse workforce in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky is the lead institution in this Collaborative.

The Kentucky Girls Collaborative is based upon a model developed by the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP). The model brings organizations together to compare needs and resources, share information, and expand STEM-related opportunities for girls. These organizations represent K-12 education, higher education, government, professional organizations, business, and community-based organizations.

While numerous organizations provide valuable activities and support services related to motivating and supporting girls’ interest STEM, these efforts are largely uncoordinated. The Collaborative will provide opportunities for girl-serving STEM providers in Kentucky to meet or reconnect, learn about each other’s work, and develop ways to work together to better serve girls and young women in STEM.

The Kentucky Girls Collaborative plans to hold a variety of events across the Commonwealth for girl-serving organizations, educators, and business professionals to share ideas and offer professional development training related to STEM issues. The Collaborative will foster collaboration, networking, and sharing of information and resources by (1) awarding mini-grants for collaborative projects and (2) providing an online, searchable Program Directory.