GIRLS NEED BETTER ACCESS TO AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
A lack of access to high-quality STEAM enrichment programs has prevented many young women from acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain higher-paying careers in STEM fields. If we want to close the gender gap in STEM, young girls must have access to programs designed to increase science knowledge, build self-esteem, and generate interest in STEM careers.
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Empowering Girls
​Despite strong growth projections for STEM jobs with higher average salaries, women, especially Black and Brown women, are less likely to pursue college degrees in physical science, math, engineering, and computer sciences.
Studies have shown that participating in high-quality afterschool STEM programs can have a huge impact.
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They empower girls to see the real-world application of the sciences.
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Develop greater confidence in science ability.
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Build interest and a sense of belonging in STEM subjects.
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Lead to increased interest in STEM careers.

If we increase the pipeline of young girls with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a STEM career, they will enter the labor market in fields that offer more opportunities and better pay, thus improving their financial outcomes, and bringing much needed diversity to our STEM workforce.
Women make up less than 27% of the total STEM workforce.


Our Mission
At the heart of the Full STEAM Forward (FSF) mission, lies our belief that the underrepresentation of women in STEM begins with a lack of access to after-school science enrichment programs for young girls.
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We’re changing the equation by offering:
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Three years of free, high-quality afterschool STEAM programming
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Synchronous classes, delivered in-person or online
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Hands-on projects designed to encourage intellectual curiosity
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Access to women in STEM fields to act as role models
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An alumni program to ensure continued awareness of STEM opportunities
A Spark for Learning
