As 2025 winds down, we know that this year presented unique and significant challenges for many of us working to support girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite the hurdles, here at the National Girls Collaborative Project, we remain incredibly inspired by the ways you continued to show up, support, and champion girls in STEM. You made a powerful, tangible difference in the lives of countless young people, and laid the groundwork for their future success!

Now, as we are looking ahead to the possibilities and renewed energy of 2026, we are sharing six powerful (but simple!) ways that you can continue to encourage and inspire girls in STEM. For each idea, we've provided relevant NGCP resources to help you put them into action right away. In fact, why wait until 2026? If you are a parent, educator, program director, or caregiver, you can start implementing these ideas today!

Encourage Open-Ended STEM Play – Children are naturally driven to play. STEM play can help young children explore their curiosities, ask questions, create new artifacts, and solve problems. Given that stereotypes about science and technology often begin at an early age, intentionally encouraging positive experiences with hands-on STEM play for young girls is critical. This can begin by simply offering materials that encourage building and engineering (e.g., LEGO or magnetic tiles), art supplies to support creativity, and natural loose parts (e.g., sticks, stones, water) that allow for multiple uses and outcomes. Ready to get started? Check out these helpful NGCP resources:

• Toy Guide: A Guide to STEM Gifts and Toys
• Blog: 4 Ways to Support Girls’ STEAM Learning through Play
• Webinar: Supporting Early Childhood STEAM Experiences through Play

Read STEM-Themed Picture Books – Picture books are a powerful way to begin addressing STEM stereotypes with young children. Reading and discussing stories provides young readers (and their grownups!) with the opportunity to explore a range of foundational STEM concepts through captivating narratives while also countering stereotypes about who can successfully pursue the sciences. Check out these helpful NGCP resources when choosing your next picture book:

• Book list: Picture Books to Break Stereotypes in STEM (and Beyond!)
• Webinar: Breaking Stereotypes through Children’s Books

Want to choose a new picture book and support NGCP’s mission at the same time? Giana’s Mission: Discovering My Passion, written by NGCP’s Board Chair, Dr. Gaby A. González, is an inspiring story about a curious young girl on a journey to find her calling. This month proceeds from book sales of Giana’s Mission will be donated to NGCP to help fuel our commitment to supporting and growing a community dedicated to expanding girls' interest in and access to STEM.

Watch and Discuss STEM-Related Movies – Make an effort to include more movies that feature girls and women in STEM in your movie marathons! Past research by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that girls are more likely to pursue STEM careers when they see portrayals of women as scientists, programmers, or engineers – it’s called the “Scully Effect.” Not sure what to watch? Find a list of film suggestions here. 

You can also use movies as a chance to talk about the impact of stereotypes. For example, check out NGCP’s free educational viewing resources on the movie A Million Miles Away (rated PG). You may also wish to explore NGCP’s webinar on facilitating challenging conversations with youth to help prepare. 

Explore Free Role Model Resources – Exposing girls and young women to diverse STEM role models helps to dispel stereotypes about who can succeed in STEM. In the new year, make a plan to introduce girls to STEM role models from a variety of career fields.  You can start by using free online resources like the IF/THEN® Collection, the largest free resource of its kind dedicated to increasing access to relatable images of real women in STEM. In this digital library, you will find thousands of photos, videos and other assets that authentically represent women in STEM. 

Find and Participate in Science Near You – Sometimes, creating your own STEM event or program is daunting. Luckily, there are online resources available to help you find STEM programs and events near you! Connected Girls, for example, is a free, curated directory of girl-serving STEM opportunities and events. We hope you discover a great STEM event near you in 2026!   

Support NGCP – Your support and continued collaboration help NGCP transform STEM for all youth. Donations enable us to strengthen countless programs by providing critical collaboration support, specialized professional development, quality curriculum, and helpful evaluation techniques—all designed to boost girls' interest and persistence in STEM. 

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