Overview

The Midwest Girls Collaborative Project (MWGCP) brings together organizations throughout Illinois that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Too often programs that serve girls in STEM are limited in service and impact due to size, location, funding, expertise, and equipment. In other cases, projects compete with each other, duplicating services and seeking the same resources. MWGCP provides the opportunity for programs to increase their ability to maintain interest and participation of girls in STEM within their regions through collaboration.

The MWGCP is based upon a model developed by the National Girls Collaborative Project, and replicated through a grant from the National Science Foundation. The model is structured to bring organizations together to compare needs and resources, share information, and to plan strategically to expand STEM-related opportunities for girls.

The Midwest Girls Collaborative Project will host a Spring Forum on April 8, 2010 at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. This forum will provide an opportunity for those interested in STEM to network with other projects in Illinois, learn about evaluation and assessment, and hear about the mini-grant process.