Girls 4 Science

Girls 4 Science (G4S) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing girls age 10-18 years primarily from under-resourced areas of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  G4S designed an innovative program model to address the lack of accessible, quality science programs for female youth with its Saturday STEM Academy.  G4S offers quality programming in a non-competitive environment to help girls develop skills, self-esteem, awareness and relationships to overcome barriers that may prevent them from achieving greater success in studying STEM subjects and entering STEM careers.

 G4S is the only free, year-round, out-of-school STEM program for girls in the Chicago region and is non-selective in its admission.  G4S participants represent nearly 90 zip codes in the Chicago area and 80% identify as Black, Hispanic or Latina. G4S is proud to report that 100% of high school senior program participants have gone on to college with more than 90% reporting they will study STEM fields.

 The Saturday STEM Academy fulfills the G4S mission in several ways that have proven successful in retaining girls’ interest in STEM subjects:

• Science Exploration through hands-on, small group experiential learning, which fosters self-confidence and collegiality.
• Field Trips to businesses, museums, nature preserves, zoos and other sites that enhance the laboratory experience, expose participants to a range of STEM industries and career options and allow participants to experience STEM “live and in action”.
• Mentorships to introduce participants to women pioneers in STEM fields and other STEM professional women and college students and highlight women of color in STEM careers -- tactics proven to be successful in retaining girls’ interest in STEM subjects.
• Scholarships for high school seniors who have completed at least 12 weeks of the G4S program and are applying for undergraduate study in a STEM field.

 G4S offers its six-week Saturday STEM Academy four times per year – Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall – at three locations:  Malcolm X City College on Chicago’s west side, Olive-Harvey City College in the far south Pullman neighborhood and the University of St. Francis in Joliet.  A different STEM topic is presented in each six-week module.  The high school and elementary school programs run concurrently at each location with age-appropriate curriculum and are conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories led by STEM professionals and volunteers under the direction of the Program Coordinators.  

 Girls 4 Science fills a critical need to provide accessible, hands-on, high-quality scientific programming for girls in the Chicagoland area and endeavors to create a sustainable pipeline for women of color in STEM careers.