Techbridge Girls Announces Expanded Partnership with Boeing
Support from Boeing will grow the investment in STEM innovators
Washington, DC. (March 14, 2018) – Techbridge Girls is expanding its reach to serve more girls in the Washington, D.C. Metro region after receiving a $100,000 grant from The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] as part of the company’s commitment to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators through the “Our Future: Tomorrow’s Innovators” initiative. Both Techbridge Girls and Boeing consider it vital to invest in STEM education, providing opportunities for youth to develop the skills required in today’s modern workplace and to learn how science or engineering may help solve real world problems.
“Careers in STEM are for everyone,” said Jason Pak, Boeing community investor. “Boeing is committed to inspiring tomorrow’s innovators, and we demonstrate that by investing in experiential learning opportunities like those provided by Techbridge Girls’ Inspire program. We are thrilled to be helping them expand their impact in the Washington, D.C. community and on the future of the students they serve.”
Techbridge Girls is engineering a revolution for girls to change the world through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Across the United States, many girls, especially those from low-income communities, do not pursue careers in science and technology even though thousands of jobs in STEM fields go unfilled. Many are instead on a path toward unskilled, low-wage jobs. Techbridge Girls is working to redefine the narrative, open access to high quality STEM enrichment programs and support girls from low-income communities on a path toward a better future and economic mobility.
The Techbridge Girls Inspire program introduces 4-6th grade girls to an array of STEM disciplines. Girls build a “growth mindset” through problem solving, persevering through challenges, and working in teams. Girls also meet a female STEM role model, and their families receive resources to encourage their daughters in STEM beyond the classroom. Techbridge Girls-DC will be implemented in eight Inspire after-school programs for the 2017-18 school year.Boeing’s partnership and grant will serve as an anchor, tripling the number of girls served by Techbridge Girls’ Inspire program in the Washington DC Metro area.
“As someone who was raised in a low-income community and obtained two STEM degrees, I’m a testament to the cumulative effects of a STEM ecosystem on a girl’s educational and career trajectory,” said Alicia Lane, Director of Programs in the Washington, D.C. office. “My teachers, my parents, my mentors, and my peers were all instrumental in strengthening my persistence throughout my STEM career. We hope to replicate the same for our girls through the Inspire program.”
Techbridge Girls’ impact is evident in the trajectory of girls who join our programs. Valentina, a student at Brightwood Education Campus, joined Techbridge when she moved to Washington, D.C. two years ago. As a new student, she joined the program to make friends, but quickly became hooked on STEM learning. Student demographics at Brightwood are 75 Latinx, 22 percent black and 100 percent low-income. Valentina says the Techbridge Girls after-school program at Brightwood has offered her a chance to learn more about job paths she never knew were available. She’s sticking with Techbridge Girls, because she wants to increase the number of women pursuing STEM career fields.
Grounded by a 17-year track record with research-driven curriculum and a holistic approach to interventions, Techbridge Girls excites, educates and equips girls from low-income communities to achieve economic mobility and better life chances through the power of STEM education.
About Techbridge Girls
Our vision is for all girls, and specifically low-income girls of color, to have the opportunity to explore the wonders of STEM, be inspired by woman role models, enroll in STEM courses, earn STEM degrees and pursue STEM careers.
Today, just 12% of U.S. engineers are women and only 2% are under-represented women of color. A recent Google/Gallup study showed that girls are almost half as likely as boys to receive encouragement in computer science from parents, teachers and the media.
Founded in 2000, Techbridge Girls is dedicated to positively changing these numbers and is a recognized leader in STEM education for under-represented girls. We practice a STEM ecosystem approach (vs. “pipeline”) by working with girls (grades 4-12), their families, teachers, STEM role models and STEM employers. Our acclaimed afterschool programs are long-term (vs. a one-week camp) and girls can participate in Techbridge Girls throughout their student years, thereby developing interest and strong skills in STEM while also building confidence, perseverance and leadership skills.
If you are interested in volunteering as a role model or participating in a Boeing Field Trip, please contact Techbridge Girls at DC@techbridgegirls.org.
About Boeing
Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and thoughtful advocacy efforts, Boeing and its employees support innovative partnerships and programs that align with the company’s strategic objectives, create value and help build better communities worldwide. This includes improving access to globally competitive learning as well as workforce and skills development, and supporting our military and veteran communities.
Chicago-based Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Rivers
Techbridge Girls
jrivers@techbridgegirls.org
202-656-6420
Jen Wollman
Boeing
jennifer.l.wollman@boeing.com
703-517-9035