This glossary — a companion item to the NGCP Brand Guide — was created as a tool for Local Collaboratives, mini-grant applicants, partners, and staff.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations are the shortened form of a word or phrase (for example, Sat. is an abbreviation for Saturday). Acronyms are a subset of abbreviations and are formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word (e.g. NGCP is an acronym for National Girls Collaborative Project).
When using words that are very common, such as U.S. or AIDS, it is not necessary to provide the full, spelled-out version of the abbreviation. However, for those that are not common knowledge, it is best to first use the full version with the shortened form in parentheses immediately following. After the initial use, it is okay to switch to the acronym. In fact, this helps make any piece a bit more readable by providing alternative phrasing. Example for formal/professional writing:
- First use: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is driven by intelligence gathering to enforce the law and provide national security.
- Second use: The FBI has existed for more than 100 years.
When hyperlinking a title or phrase that includes an acronym, do not include the acronym in the hyperlink. Example: The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is a nonprofit...
Activities and Methods
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
What strategies and activities will you use to demonstrate integration of exemplary practices. List specific activities and methods — for example, “use Electric Playground kits to perform hands-on activities.”
afterschool
Write as one word.
Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
The fiscal agent and nonprofit organization that oversees the implementation of the National Girls Collaborative. Old name is similar (Association of Science-Technology Centers).
Black
Referring to race = capitalize
Referring to the color = lowercase
When speaking of a culture, ethnicity, or group of people, the name should be capitalized. Black with a capital B refers to people of the African diaspora. Lowercase black is simply a color. The National Association of Black Journalists recommends that whenever a color is used to appropriately describe race then it should be capitalized, including White and Brown.
Collaboration Conference
Capitalize
A Collaboration Conference is held after mini-grants are complete to allow grantees an opportunity to present their projects and results to a large group. Professional development and networking activities are also offered at this event.
Formerly known as Annual Conference
Collaborating Program Providers
The mini-grant applicant selects one to four program providers in The Connectory (formerly known as the NGCP Program Directory) as collaborating programs. Mini-grant applicants should know collaborating program providers’ names in The Connectory and have discussed the project thoroughly with each of them, prior to application.
Collaboration Guide
Capitalize
A user-friendly guide to implementing the National Girls Collaborative Project, including an overview of the project, description of events and activities, and helpful tools and templates.
Formerly known as the Replication Guide
Collaboration Institute
Capitalize
Teams attend this training at the beginning of their implementation. Workshops and activities are focused on delivery structure and exemplary practice implementation.
Formerly known as Project Institute or Collaboration Training
Collaborative Champions Board
Capitalize
The advisory group for a Collaborative, consisting of a diverse group of education, nonprofit, and business representatives who are invested in the issue of gender equity in STEM.
Formerly known as Regional Champions Board. Also, see National Champions Board.
Collaborative Lead
Capitalize
The lead contact person for a Collaborative and member of the Collaborative Leadership Team.
Collaborative Leadership Team
Capitalize
The group of individuals who lead the efforts of the Collaborative; this group is responsible for planning events, administering mini-grants, and completing evaluation requirements.
Formerly known as Regional Leadership Team
Connected Girls
Capitalize
Connected Girls is an updated version of The Connectory. Connected Girls is a database of STEAM opportunities and events that are designed for girls or other groups that have been historically excluded, as well as professional development opportunities around STEM and gender equity. NGCP manages Connected Girls in partnership with Science Near Me.
Contractions (avoid using)
A contraction is a word made by shortening and combining two words. Words like can't (can + not), don't (do + not), and I've (I + have) are all contractions.
As basic as contractions are to the native reader, they add unnecessary complexity for the non-native reader. For example, contractions that end in 's can be mistaken for possessive nouns, and the 's can be read as either has or is.
Avoid using contractions for public facing documents and websites in order to increase usability for all. Exceptions include informal communications, such as blogs and social media, and in direct quotes.
Collaborative(s)
Capitalize
A region or state implementing the NGCP model locally. A Collaborative is led by a local convening organization and leadership team, who are invested in the issue of gender equity and STEM.
Formerly known as Regional Collaboratives
computer science
Lower case
Example: The program will offer computer science activities.
Convening Organization
Capitalize
The organization responsible for organizing and coordinating the implementation of the NGCP model. Coordinates the efforts of the Collaborative Leadership Team.
Formerly known as Collaborative Lead Organization or Fiscal Agent
Dates
List dates in full: January 1, 2019 or 01/01/19 (not Jan 1st or 1/1). Including the year is important for archiving purposes.
dis/Ability, dis/Abilities
The term dis/ability, (spelled with the slash) is used intentionally to counter the word disability (spelled without the slash). The use of the term disability (spelled without the slash) suggests that a person is represented, or identified, by what they cannot do, rather than what they can do.
E-blast
Shorter than an e-newsletter. Periodic communications using email software such as Constant Contact.
E-mail or e-mail
Example: To register, contact National Girls Collaborative Project by phone or e-mail.
E-newsletter
Example: Collaborative Leadership Team members can assist by creating copy for the Collaborative e-newsletter.
Event Contact Info
Pertains to Event Entries
The information entered in Event Contact Name, phone, and e-mail fields will be sent in a confirmation e-mail to all event registrants. This should be the person best able to answer registrant questions about the event.
Exemplary Practices
The National Girls Collaborative Project disseminates exemplary practices based on research in the following areas: informal learning, evaluation and assessment, and serving underrepresented girls. Exemplary practices refer to strategies, practices, curricula, and resources that have research and/or evaluation data to support their effectiveness. The NGCP aims to make exemplary practices accessible, disseminating exemplary practices through three methods: NGCP website, NGCP webinars, and NGCP Collaborative events.
Fonts
NGC organizational default font is Arial, 11 pt. Logo fonts are listed on individual Logo Guidelines.
girl-serving
Example: The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is designed to reach girl-serving STEM organizations across the United States.
HTML
Example: Send me an HTML file, and I will put it on the Web.
Inclusive and Non-Violent Language
The language we use expresses our values and has the opportunity to unify or divide. Use equitable, inclusive, strength-based, and non-violent language whenever possible. For example:
- Use "under-resourced" instead of "disadvantaged/under-served"
- Use "undocumented' or "person seeking citizenship" instead of "illegal alien/immigrant"
- Use "assigned female at birth" instead of "born female"
- Use "primary document" instead of "master document"
- Use "block list/allow list" instead of "blacklist/whitelist"
The American Psychological Association (APA) has created an extensive guide: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusive Language Guidelines, which you can bookmark or download.
Internet, the Internet
Capitalize
Example: To take an online course, students should be comfortable browsing the Internet.
Kick-Off Conference
Capitalize
Collaboratives host a variety of events for girl-serving STEM organizations, educators, and business professionals in their areas. The project begins with a Kick-Off Conference to announce the project and begin networking among the participants.
Lead Program
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
To apply for a mini-grant, there must be a single Lead Program, registered in the The Connectory (formerly the Program Directory) by the person applying for the mini-grant (Mini-Grant Applicant). The Lead Program's location determines who reviews the application. The Lead Program must be publicly viewable in The Connectory.
LGBTQIA
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, (questioning), intersex, asexual, and (agender).
Log In
Verb
Example: You must log in to the network to access its resources.
Login
Noun
Example: Please enter your credentials at the login prompt.
Mini-Grants
Mini-grants are awarded to girl-serving STEM-focused programs to support collaboration, assessment activities, and projects related to addressing gaps and overlaps in service, and sharing exemplary practices.
National Champions Board
Capitalize
The advisory group for the national project, consisting of a diverse group of education, non-profit, and business representatives from across the United States, who are invested in the issue of gender equity in STEM.
NGCP National Leadership Team
Capitalize
The team who direct the project at a national level. The national team works directly with the National Champions Board, and other consultants and partners who contribute toward overall project goals.
nonprofit
Write as one word.
Participants/Participating Organizations
The girl-serving organizations, educators, and businesses who are involved in the Collaborative by one or more of the following: attending a Kick-Off or Forum event, registering in The Connectory, participating in a webinar, receiving a mini-grant, or signing up for the e-newsletter.
PDF
Example: A PDF file is easily opened by both Mac and PC users.
PowerPoint, Microsoft PowerPoint
Example: You can use PowerPoint to quickly create captivating presentations.
Principal Investigator(s)
Capitalize
The primary person(s) responsible for the National Girls Collaborative Project grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Principal Investigator, Karen Peterson, led the project with the help of Co-Principal Investigator Brenda Britsch, the NGCP National Leadership Team, was responsible for the budget, and submitted necessary reports to NSF.
Program Directory
Capitalize
The Program Directory listed organizations and programs that focused on motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The purpose of the directory was to help organizations and individual’s network, share resources, and collaborate on STEM-related projects for girls. The directory contained program descriptions, resources available within each organization, program and/or organization needs, and contact information. The Program Directory has been merged with The Connectory.
Project Evaluation
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The Project Evaluation section will capture the types of assessment activities involved in the mini-grant project. It will also ask whether a mini-grant project engages participants for a week or longer. The answer to this will help determine the type of evaluation efforts required for the mini-grant project.
Project Budget / Budget Item(s)
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The maximum mini-grant award is $1,000. In project budget, you may request up to $1,000 and you should supply information on matching funds. The total of the itemized budget item(s) must equal the “Amount Requested” plus the “Amount of Matching Funds.”
As with most grant programs, the NGCP mini-grants must meet criteria for acceptable use. Generally, NGCP mini-grant funds will be allowable for the following:
- Food (refreshments for meetings, lunches for participants, etc.)
- Transportation costs (buses)
- Educational software
- Hardware related to educational activities (robotics kits, etc.)
- Essential project/activity supplies
Uses of mini-grant funds that are not allowable under these guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Indirect charges
- Capital expenditures
- Computer hardware (servers, desktops, laptops, etc.)
Project Contact Info
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The Project Contact Info comprises the name, e-mail address, and phone number for one person who will serve as the mini-grant project contact if questions arise during the review process.
Project Description
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The description of a mini-grant project, including information about the role and contributions of collaborating partners, project design, population to be served, and activities or methods used that demonstrate integration of exemplary practices. The “Project Description” will appear in public listings of funded mini-grant projects. This brief, 3-5 sentence description should relay the main idea of the mini-grant project.
Project Design Plans
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
Identify the design of the project. How will participants be recruited? Where will the project be held? Explain how your project design helps you meet the goals of your project.
Project Goals
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The “Project Goals” statement is a concise (2-4 sentence) presentation of the broad outcomes/goals the mini-grant project, if successful, will achieve.
Project Objectives
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The “Project Objectives” are one to four carefully-structured, measurable objectives that target a specific audience (the online application will assist applicants in writing these objectives).
Project Title
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
The informative “Project Title” identifies the project that will be carried out with mini-grant funds if the mini-grant application is approved and funded. The “Project Title” will appear in public listings of funded mini-grant projects.
Role and Contributions
Pertains to Mini-Grant Applications
How will each of the collaborating organizations participate in this grant? List each collaborating organization and indicate the contribution of each, e.g., facilities, participants, equipment, publicity, etc.
science technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM)
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
SharePoint
A collaborative tool used to document the work of NGCP Collaboratives and to share promising practices
Example: The document is posted on SharePoint. The National Girls Collaborative has two SharePoint sites. One public for the NGCP Collaboratives and one internal for organizational use.
Signature Line
The NGCP organizational signature line is as follows (use default font, Arial, 11 pt. italicize pronouns)
First and Last Name
Job Title
Pronouns: she/her
National Girls Collaborative Project | Connected Girls
Example:
Stakeholder (problematic, instead use Shareholder)
Historically, the term stakeholder has covetous connotations and has been used by people in power or the “holders.” Merriam-Webster also defines a stakeholder as “a person holding property or owing an obligation that is claimed by two or more adverse claimants and who has no claim to or interest in the property or obligation.” This definition seems to have roots in colonialism – settlers would drive wooden stakes in the ground to literally stake their claim on indigenous land. The term has also been used in mining prospecting in which one would drive four stakes in the corners of the property they wanted to claim. Obviously, this definition of stakeholder is problematic and sheds light on a situation in which public health researchers should reflect on intention versus impact.
Style Guide (Logo Use)
The NGCP Brand Guide includes general trademark requirements along with guidelines for NGCP grantees and partners. Review the guide before using a logo.
The Connectory
Capitalize
The Connectory, an expansion of the NGCP Program Directory, is a free online collaboration tool for STEM program providers to find partners based on interests as well as a platform to showcase STEM opportunities to families. The Connectory will be transitioned to Connected Girls in November 2022
Time AM/PM Ex: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Example:
- AM and PM (not a.m. and p.m.)
- 2:00 PM (not 2 PM, 2 pm)
Time Zone
Pertains to Events
Collaborative events may serve participants in different time zones. To help your attendees identify the correct times for your event, please select the time zone based on the LOCATION of the event.
- Time Zones Spelled Out: Pacific or Eastern (not PT, PST, ET, or EST)
- Listing of Multiple Time Zones: 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern
Under-resourced
Hyphenated
Example: Transforming STEM for girls and under-resourced youth is at the core of NGCP's initiatives and partner programs.
URL
Example: Send me the URL of your Web site.
Web (adj.), the Web (n.)
Example: Teachers can find many tools to help their student learn research skills on the Web.
Example: In this activity, you’ll create your own Web page.
Webinar
NGCP offers regularly scheduled webinar to disseminate information on exemplary practices pertaining to girls in STEM.
Common rules of capitalization apply in titles and at the beginning of a sentence.
Example: The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday.
Website, Web page
Common rules of capitalization apply in titles and at the beginning of a sentence.
Example: This website provides many research tools.