It is hard to believe 2023 is already winding down. As we look ahead to the possibilities and excitement of 2024, we at the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) want to share four simple ways that you can inspire and uplift girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the new year. In fact, why wait until 2024? You can get started with these four strategies today! 

Choose Toys that Break STEM Stereotypes

Young children learn through play, and the toys we provide them with can help guide the type of play experiences they have. In 2024, we encourage parents and caregivers to make a commitment to equally encouraging STEM toys and experiences for all young children, regardless of gender. 

• Our blog post “Choosing Toys to Break STEM Stereotypes” provides a list of examples of the types of toys to consider exploring with young children.

Not sure where to start? NGCP has you covered with all the resources you need: 

• In the NGCP webinar recording “Choosing Toys to Inspire Young Children in STEM,” you can learn from experts about research, resources, and innovative new toys that can be used for supporting STEM play with young girls. 
• Get even more ideas about the types of STEM toys and experiences that can support girls in the blog post “Beyond the Pink: A STEM Gift Guide for Girls” on the STEM Next Opportunity Fund website. 

Showcase Diverse Women in STEM

Exposure to diverse and relatable STEM role models can counter stereotypes about who belongs in STEM fields. In 2024, we encourage educators and caregivers to expose girls to role models working in a variety of STEM careers. You can learn more about the power of role models and mentors in the NGCP webinar “The Impact of STEM Role Models and Mentors.”

If the thought of finding and coordinating with role models sounds daunting, remember that there are also a variety of digital resources you can use, such as the IF/THEN® Collection from Lyda Hill Philanthropies to introduce girls to women in STEM careers. The IF/THEN® Collection is a free digital library with photos, videos, posters, activities, and other assets featuring diverse women STEM innovators — all available for educational and other non-commercial use. Books are also a great way to showcase diverse women in unique STEM careers, especially with younger girls. If you need inspiration for your STEM bookshelf, check out these NGCP resources: 

• Our blog post “Picture Books to Break Stereotypes in STEM (and Beyond)” features a list of girl-powered STEM books.
• Our NGCP webinar recording “Meet STEM Picture Book Author and Founder of Let’s Engineer Sheryl Haft” shares resources accompanying the book Mazie’s Amazing Machines. 

Shift the Way You Talk About STEM

Beginning in pre-kindergarten, the language used by teachers (and other adults, like parents and caregivers) can interfere with – or facilitate – the development of children’s own engagement with the sciences. As you are planning your STEM projects and curriculum for 2024, consider making these subtle shifts in the way you introduce concepts and activities:

• Use action action-focused language
• Talk about science as a process
• Encourage questions 

Want to learn more about the research behind making these simple shifts in the way you talk about science? Check out these resources:

• NGCP’s blog post “3 Ways Early Educators Can Shift the Way They Talk About Science” provides examples of how adults can use action-focused language in STEM settings. 

In the NGCP webinar recording “Supporting Equitable Approaches to Early Science Education, ” experts Amanda Strawhacker and Amanda Cardarelli share teaching strategies to support equitable experiences with science beginning in pre-kindergarten.

Be an Ally

If you are only making one New Year’s resolution for 2024, make it a promise to be an ally to girls and women in STEM. More than ever, we have a growing need for majority group allies working in STEM fields to advocate for greater gender equity and shifting cultures in careers where they drastically outnumber women. Educators, parents, and caregivers are also needed as allies to help interrupt biases and bridge encouragement and exposure gaps from an early age. Not sure where to start? Check out these resources:

• The NGCP webinar recording “Learn to Be an Ally to Girls and Women in STEM” shares research and practical tips for becoming an ally. 
• The NGCP blog post “5 Ways to Be an Ally to Girls and Women in STEM” provides tips and resources based on the webinar. 
• The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Male Allies and Advocates Toolkit is a great place to start exploring information like why majority group allies are important in STEM fields and what they should be advocating for. 
• NCWIT also shares tips for increasing male advocacy here: 8 Ways to Increase Male Advocacy. 

From all of us at NGCP, thank you for all you have done this past year (and all you will continue to do) to support gender equity in STEM. Happy New Year!