Brite is an online, interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program built for girls ages 13-16 offered by Florida State University, in partnership with National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) and Smart Girls HQ, through funding from the National Science Foundation. Brite provides a high-quality, online suite of activities centered on collaborative learning and engagement with diverse women role models. A customized online platform has been developed for BRITE, which can be accessed through a 1:1 device, serving as a launching pad for girls to participate in individual, small group, and community-wide activities. 

The research component of the project aims to determine how three core approaches to STEM identity development (community-building, hands-on activities, role models), as implemented through the Brite Online Learning Community, influence girls’ STEM identity.

Informal STEM education programs serving self-identifying girls from historically excluded groups, including Black, Latina, and Native American/Indigenous. Individuals may not apply. 

Benefits for Participating Programs 

• Access to the Brite Educator Guide, which details the day-to-day schedule, guidance on facilitation and instructions for activities and small group discussions. 
• Access to the Brite Online Platform, a launching pad for girls to engage with peers and Brite Role Models.  
• Training and resources to support educators/program staff in using the Brite Educator Guide and the Brite Online Platform to support and facilitate Brite for your program participants.  
• Training related to gender equity in STEM and the research lenses that inform the project.   
• Technology support for girls with barriers to access to support their full participation.  
• Supplies for hands-on activities and digital projects will be distributed to programs.  
• $2,000 stipend to support staff time and other acceptable program needs.  

Requirements  

• To recruit a minimum of 10 self-identifying girl participants, ages 13 –16, with the majority of participants from historically excluded groups.   
• To host and facilitate three weeks (Monday-Thursday) of the Brite Program for a minimum of 10 self-identifying girl participants from July 15-August 1, 2024 (Monday-Thursday, three hours each day).  
• Communicate and ensure caregiver/parent permission for girls’ participation in the research study is secured before registration. 
• Communicate and ensure girl assent forms for participation in the research study are secured before registration.  
• Ensure one staff member or volunteer attends all Brite educator trainings and related meetings. Dates: February 9, May 3, May 10, May 17, June 7, and July 12, 2024.  
• Coordinate the registration of participants, including providing relevant participant contact information to the Brite team.  
• To provide educator/staff contact information to the Brite team. 
• To manage the day-to-day operations and logistics for implementation of the Brite Program for girls in your group.  
• To ensure adequate bandwidth and communications abilities to host the Brite program, including access to email, G-suite, or similar applications. 
• To provide and allow participant access to a 1 to 1 technology device. 
• Provide and allow participant access to the online Brite platform provided by the Brite team.   
• Provide and allow participant access to social media groups curated by the Brite team. 
• Facilitate and ensure completion of pre-program survey to all participants.  
• Facilitate and ensure completion of the post-program survey at the end of each week from all participants (3 post-program surveys, 1 for each week).  
• Distribute and ensure completion of follow-up survey 6-12 months after the Brite program dates to all participants. 
• Ensure participant participation in interviews and/or focus groups as requested by the research team.  
• Distribute and ensure educator/staff participation in pre- and post-program surveys, including interviews and/or focus groups, as requested by the evaluation team. 
• Participate in sharing photos and videos as requested. Obtain media releases. 
• Foster communication and connections between your participants and participants from other programs in the Brite Online Learning Community.  
• If invited, ensure participation of educators/staff in potential NGCP national webinars focused on sharing findings and stories related to the Brite program.   
• Upon request, provide timely feedback on the overall project – BRITE Girls Online STEM Practices: Building Relevance and Identity to Transform Experiences activities, processes, and support.