WHY STEMGirls-Indiana

Indiana has the eighth highest population of rural students in the entire United States. However, the availability of STEM education  in rural areas lacks primarily due to two barriers: access to necessary resources and outreach disparities. This leads to the consistent devaluation and neglect of girls. In some areas, girls often don’t have the opportunity to attend school past the 8th grade. College is often out of the question.

The remoteness of rural schools makes it more expensive for them to access opportunities, and their small size means they often don't receive the help they need. Additionally, STEM programs rarely reach out to them, and these schools fall through the cracks. STEMGirls-Indiana was founded to ensure equitable access to resources and funding for the groups that need it the most.

We deliver our own specifically-tailored workshops and classes to rural students, helping them develop lifelong, applicable skills. We also connect them to the rich STEM culture of local universities and organizations, raising awareness about STEM and encouraging their involvement and integration in this field. 

STEM education is uniquely important for these kids as technological advancement and artificial intelligence become the future of our society and economy. Aside from equipping students with skills that they'll use in the workforce, STEM education also emphasizes other critical components like critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, adaptability, and digital literacy. However, there is a severe gap in access to this education among students that live in rural areas.