Join us on October 24, 2026 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm at the New York Hall of Science!
Despite growing numbers of women earning STEM degrees, women remain significantly underrepresented across the STEM workforce, particularly in computer science, engineering, and physical sciences. For women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, overlapping barriers of gender, race, and class make access to STEM education and careers even more challenging. Research consistently shows that one of the most effective ways to shift these dynamics is through meaningful engagement with diverse, relatable role models who can broaden girls’ sense of who belongs in STEM.
To address this, the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is partnering with the MacArthur Foundation and the New York Hall of Science to host a youth-centered event featuring three 2024 MacArthur Fellows, each with distinctive, interdisciplinary STEM careers. The event will bring together 50 high school-age girls in the New York City area for a 60-minute live panel discussion moderated by members of NGCP’s Youth Advisory Board, followed by hands-on workshops led by each fellow. The panel will also be live-streamed on YouTube to NGCP’s national network of 42,500 youth-serving STEM programs, with the potential to reach over 20 million girls across the country.
The Fellows will share candid stories about their personal and professional journeys, including early experiences, obstacles they overcame, and interests outside of work, giving girls authentic opportunities to see themselves reflected in STEM careers. Workshop sessions will pair icebreaker activities with hands-on experiences connected to each fellow’s current research, helping participants discover shared interests, build community, and demonstrate their own STEM skills in a supportive environment. The event is designed to be youth-led, culturally affirming, and rooted in the belief that diverse representation in STEM is essential, not only for the girls who attend, but for the fields that benefit from their perspectives.
Space is limited. All applications will be reviewed by September 25, 2026, and selected participants will be invited to register.
Meet the Fellows
Kristina Douglass
Investigating how past human societies and environments co-evolved and adapted to climate variability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), in partnership with the New York Hall of Science and with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, is hosting a youth-centered event featuring three MacArthur Fellows with distinctive, interdisciplinary STEM careers. The event includes a 60-minute live panel discussion moderated by members of NGCP's Youth Advisory Board (YAB), followed by hands-on workshops led by each Fellow.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, NY.
The in-person event will bring together 50 high school-age girls* from the New York City area. Space is limited, and attendance is by application. A limited number of adult participants are welcome to attend.
*This event is intended for youth who self-identify as girls, non-binary, transgender, or otherwise feel that a girl-centered space is a meaningful and appropriate fit for them.
Apply online at ngcproject.regfox.com/macarthur-application. Applications will be reviewed on September 25, 2026, and selected participants will be invited to register.
No. The event is free for selected participants, thanks to the support of the MacArthur Foundation and the New York Hall of Science.
The afternoon begins with a welcome and introductions, followed by a 60-minute live panel discussion with the three Fellows and an audience Q&A. The Fellows will share candid stories about their personal and professional journeys, including early experiences, obstacles they overcame, and interests outside of work. After a short break, participants will take part in hands-on STEM workshops led by each Fellow, pairing icebreaker activities with experiences connected to the Fellows' current research. The day closes with a workshop debrief and closing remarks.
Three members of NGCP's Youth Advisory Board, a national group of youth advisors founded in 2018, will moderate the panel discussion. YAB moderators are the voice of the audience: they help shape the question framework, lead the live Q&A on stage, and invite questions from in-person attendees.
Yes. The panel discussion will be livestreamed on YouTube to NGCP's national network of 42,500 youth-serving STEM programs, with the potential to reach over 20 million girls across the country. The livestream link will be shared closer to the event.
Contact info@ngcproject.org with questions.
Yes, any high school-aged girl can apply. However, you will be responsible for making your own travel accommodations if selected.