The California Girls STEM Collaborative brings together organizations throughout California that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), serving as a regional network of the National Girls Collaborative Project.
Strengthening Organizations. Advancing Girls in STEM
Why We Exist
The California Girls STEM Collaborative (CGSC) believes STEM skills can be acquired by anyone and fostered in everyone. Our initiatives build confidence and create a community of "lifelong STEM activators." Through the power of collaboration, we spark curiosity and develop a passion for STEM while strengthening program capacity through sharing best practices, research, and program models. We are creating a sustainable infrastructure supporting girls' STEM education programs throughout California. Our resources are free and open to ALL programs for girls and boys.
Our Approach
● Networking: Building connections among programs to provide support throughout CA
● Resource Development: Creating accessible resources, program templates, and training tools
● Research & Documentation: Measuring impact and sharing success models for replication
● Professional Development: Supporting organizations do their jobs better - fundraising, program evaluation, best practices, etc.
What We're Providing
● A wide network of organizations spanning K-12 education, after-school initiatives, community organizations, industry partners, and higher education
● Virtual resource library accessible to all California STEM education programs
● Active online community sharing best practices and collaborative opportunities
● In-person regional conferences in Northern and Southern California
● Documented impact metrics to inform policy and program development
Why This Matters Now
● Addressing the Equity Gap: Despite tremendous progress in STEM education, significant disparities persist in who pursues and succeeds in STEM fields
● Economic Imperative: California's innovation economy demands a diverse, STEM-literate workforce
● Current Climate Challenges: Recent political shifts and backlash against DEI initiatives threaten progress in creating equitable STEM pathways
● Real Stories, Real Impact: Our collaborative can share evidence-based insights about what's working and what's at risk across California's diverse communities
Collaborative Lead
Courtenay Carr Heuer
Prinda Wanakule, PhD, Senior Director, Exhibits R&D: The Tech Interactive
Sonia Gandiaga, Executive Director: Mission Science Workshop
Dr. Mary Isaac, Program Directory: AAUW
Clea Matson, Education Consultant
Apply to be an Intern
The California Girls STEM Collaborative is currently looking for interns to support our work. Please contact Courtenay Carr Heuer at courtenay@carrheuer.org for more information.
Share Helpful Resources with the California Girls STEM Collaborative
Please share any resources that might benefit our Collaborative members. This could include upcoming events, curriculum tools, professional development opportunities, recent research, organizations to follow, or anything else you believe would be valuable to our community. Thank you for helping us stay connected and informed!
California Girls STEM Collaborative Sign Up
Please fill out this form if you would like to receive free STEM resources and invitations to free professional development opportunities to support your work in STEM education.
