Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Observed each year on February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the importance of ensuring girls and women have access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The day draws global attention to the barriers that limit participation and the opportunities that emerge when access is expanded.
Science influences nearly every part of daily life, from healthcare and climate solutions to technology and infrastructure. Yet girls and women remain underrepresented across many STEM fields, especially in advanced education, research, and leadership roles. These gaps are not driven by a lack of interest or ability: They are the result of inequitable access to learning opportunities, mentorship, and relatable role models.
Why Access Matters
Access to meaningful STEM experiences plays a critical role in whether girls develop confidence and a sense of belonging in science. Early exposure, hands-on learning, and consistent encouragement help girls persist through key transition points, particularly during middle school and high school.
When access is limited, many girls disengage despite strong curiosity and talent. Expanding access requires coordinated efforts across schools, community organizations, industry, and informal learning spaces.
NGCP’s Role
The National Girls Collaborative Project works to expand access to STEM by connecting and strengthening organizations that serve girls and gender-diverse youth. NGCP acts as a national hub, bringing together educators, nonprofits, researchers, and youth leaders to share research-based practices and reduce duplication of effort. By supporting collaboration and knowledge-sharing, NGCP helps partners reach more communities and create learning environments where girls can explore STEM pathways that align with their interests and aspirations.
From Awareness to Action
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is more than a moment of recognition. It is a call to action. Increasing access means investing in programs that work, supporting educators and mentors, and amplifying the voices of girls themselves.
It also means engaging with organizations that are already building pathways into STEM and using trusted, high-quality resources to strengthen outreach, representation, and mentoring efforts year-round.
Featured Resources
500 Women Scientists - 500 Women Scientists' Request a Woman Scientist platform connects an extensive multidisciplinary network of vetted women in science with anyone who needs to consult a scientist for a news story, invite a keynote speaker or panelist for a conference or workshop, find a woman scientist to collaborate on a project, or serve as a subject matter expert in any capacity..
ACE Mentor Program: Architecture, Construction, Engineering - The ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc. not only engages sponsors and volunteer mentors to expose students to real-world opportunities, it financially supports each student's continued success through scholarships and grants. The ACE program helps to mentor high school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction.
IF/THEN® Collection - The IF/THEN® Collection is the largest free resource of its kind dedicated to increasing access to authentic and relatable images of real women in STEM. Here in this digital library, you will find thousands of photos, videos and other assets that authentically represent women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The content features careers as diverse as shark tagging, fashion design, and training Olympic athletes, and nudges public perceptions in a more realistic direction that illuminates the importance of STEM everywhere.
MENTOR | Close the Mentoring Gap - MENTOR's mission is to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for America’s young people and to close the mentoring gap. MENTOR develops quality resources to advance mentoring program effectiveness and innovation, while sharing knowledge among mentoring programs, and works to drive increased investment to sustain and grow mentoring programs nationwide. This includes the MENTOR Research Library which has data-driven insights into mentoring outcomes and equity-focused program design. Includes publications, toolkits, and evaluation models.
Techbridge - Techbridge offers a downloadable resource for effective outreach by role models and corporations including Techbridge Role Model Training, outreach tools and training for corporate volunteers and role models. Includes videos, guides, and best practices for effective engagement.
Women in Bio - Women in Bio is an organization of professionals committed to promoting careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship of women in the life sciences.
Women@NASA - The Women@NASA contains a collection of videos and essays showcasing women who work across a variety of departments at NASA. The site contains resources and stories to inspire girls in STEM, information for K-12 educators, and serves as a hub for women and outreach at NASA.
https://ngcproject.org/resources/role-models-mentors-and-sponsors-whats-name