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
Join us for Part 2 in our fundraising series - free and open to all
Unlock Funding for Girls' STEM Programs: AI Tools to Transform Your Grant Finding and Proposal Writing
January 28, 2026, 12:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern
This 90-minute workshop is designed to explore and practically examine the current applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the critical work of fundraising and grant development. The session will focus on several key stages of the process, including identifying potential funders (prospect research), the careful review and understanding of grant solicitations, making strategic decisions about which opportunities to pursue, navigating proposal review processes, and techniques for writing strong, successful proposals. Participants will be introduced to relevant AI tools that can be leveraged to streamline the funding search and significantly enhance the efficiency of their grant writing efforts.
Speaker Cassie Byrd is a Research Outreach Specialist at UC Berkeley, where she focuses on helping principal investigators strategize and develop plans that expand the Broader Impacts of their research. She brings 20+ years of experience as a scientist and science educator, including leadership roles at the Exploratorium and Michigan Science Center, believing that collaborative networks are key to advancing equity in STEM.
Why We Exist
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 and Collaboration: Building connections among people and programs to support each other throughout CA
- STEM Resources: Sharing curriculum, training tools, role model resources, etc.
- Research: Sharing data and research to support organization’s work and fundraising efforts
- Professional Development: Supporting organizations do their jobs better - providing fundraising, program evaluation, and best practices training
- Advocacy: Educating California’s leaders on the importance of engaging girls in STEM and keeping it a priority
What We're Providing
- A wide network of STEM-related organizations spanning K-12 education, after-school initiatives, community organizations, industry partners, and higher education
- Active online community sharing best practices and collaborative opportunities
- In-person convenings in SoCal and NorCal
- Professional development webinar series
- Bi-monthly newsletter
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
Expected Outcomes for Member Organizations:
- Stronger Programs: Organizations will improve their STEM programming using shared resources and best practices.
- Valuable Connections: Organizations will build partnerships that expand their reach and resources.
Expected Outcomes for Girls in STEM: More girls from all backgrounds in California will have access to participate in quality STEM programs.
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.
