'Tis the season once again for countdowns, reflections, and resolutions. Here at NGCP, we are incredibly inspired by all of the ways you have supported and uplifted girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout 2024. Looking ahead to the possibilities and excitement of another year, we are counting down five ways that you can continue working alongside us to support gender equity in STEM in 2025. 

Are you ready to help us take STEMinist action in the New Year? Let the countdown begin now!

5. Stay Educated on Gender Equity Issues - One of the most important ways you can take action in 2025 is by staying informed on key issues, research, and statistics related to gender equity in STEM. NGCP makes finding important information easy by sharing articles, exemplary practices, research findings, webinar recordings, and more on our Resources page. Need some foundational information? Take our free, self-paced, online training How to Be a STEM Champion for Girls which covers the current state of girls and women in STEM, barriers to equity in STEM, strategies for overcoming barriers to equity in STEM, and the importance of allies, champions, and advocates. 

4. Learn to Be an Ally - Allies are people who actively support gender equity at work, in school, and in social settings. 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 STEM education settings and 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. The 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. You can also find actionable tips and suggestions in NGCP’s resource Five Ways to Be an Ally to Girls and Women in STEM. 

3. Counter STEM Stereotypes – When talking about STEM people, skills, and career pathways, make a conscious effort to break stereotypes. You can do this explicitly by facilitating conversations about stereotypes with youth, and implicitly by incorporating books, media, and activities that showcase the diversity of STEM people, their characteristics and skill sets, and lived experiences. Learn more in NGCP’s resource Five Ways to Counter STEM Stereotypes in Children and Youth. 

2. Support Girl-Serving Programs - When planning your calendar for 2025, we encourage you to find ways to actively support programs and organizations dedicated to creating access and opportunities for girls in STEM. Support can take the form of volunteering time, mentoring girls and young women, or providing donations. Not sure what program to choose? Making a donation to NGCP allows us to support numerous programs working to increase girls’ interest in STEM by providing collaboration support, professional development, curriculum, and helpful evaluation and assessment techniques. Donate here. 

1. Be a Vocal Champion – The number one way you can commit to being a champion for girls in STEM in 2025 is by showing your support loudly and proudly! You can make a difference by helping to spread important resources, research, and statistics with others in your networks, both in-person and via social media. One way to do this is by taking NGCP’s STEM Together Pledge. Take the pledge today to show your support of girls in STEM, receive a digital badge, and share on social media!