Girls in Science: Igniting Curiosity and Shattering Stereotypes
Nestled amidst the peaks and valleys of Colorado's picturesque Eagle County, a trailblazing initiative is underway. This transformative program goes beyond just science: it focuses on shaping lives and molding the future, one young woman at a time. The Girls in Science after-school program at Walking Mountains shines as a ray of hope and opportunity for the vibrant youth in this community. The 2023-2024 program recently culminated in two highly anticipated science fairs on April 9 and 10, highlighting the profound impact of education and empowerment. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Girls in Science is provided to participants at no cost, opening doors to endless possibilities.
Inspiring Young Minds
The Girls in Science after-school enrichment program goes beyond a typical educational initiative. It stands as a transformative opportunity for young students who may not have previously envisioned themselves as future scientists or engineers. This weekly program serves girls in 3rd through 5th grades across eight public elementary schools in Eagle County School District. The district boasts a diverse student body, encompassing various demographics and economic backgrounds. With nearly 32% of students being English Language Learners, surpassing Colorado’s state average of 13.8%, Girls in Science acts as a vital platform for these budding scholars to immerse themselves in the captivating realms of science and technology, fields where their representation has historically been underrepresented.
Throughout the school year, participants gather for an hour and a half weekly to explore three STEM-focused units. These sessions include outdoor exploration days and engaging guest speaker presentations. From dissecting the principles of physics to conducting chemical experiments that fizz and change colors, the program is a hands-on adventure. It's here, amidst test tubes and microscopes, that barriers break down and new worlds open up.
Science Fairs to Remember
The pinnacle of the Girls in Science program is the annual science fair events. Collaborating in groups, students spend months delving into their captivating questions, exploring themes such as food science, innovative building, and design, solutions for climate change and environmental dilemmas, or curriculum topics that sparked their interest throughout the year. Their hard work culminates in a two-night event where the girls bring friends and family to share their profound learning and exhilarating discoveries.
The science fair at Walking Mountains Avon Tang Campus is abuzz with creativity and discovery. Enthusiastic parents, instructors, and members of the community eagerly delve into the projects crafted by these budding young scientists. Each project, ranging from water pollution to boat engineering, and soil erosion, weaves a tale of resilience, determination, and achievement.
Voices of the Future
The impact of the Girls in Science program is best told through the voices of its participants. Camilla, a 10-year-old student, shared, "It’s a learning experience because you get to experiment with things and be creative."
“I learned when we read the book that women can reach their dreams.” - 3rd Grade Student
"Before joining the Girls in Science program, my daughter never loved going to school. The supportive network for girls and the opportunity to make friends in a non-competitive environment has made a lasting impact on her." - 4th Grade Parent
Another participant, from Red Hill Elementary, whose project on plant health and microgreens was a crowd favorite at the science fair, said, “I learned that I like peas and love to plant.”
These inspirational quotes illustrate the profound impact of Walking Mountains’ Girls in Science program, emphasizing the essential need to offer such opportunities, especially in communities like Eagle County. Here, initiatives like ours play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps in STEM fields across racial, ethnic, and gender divides.
Looking Forward
As Walking Mountains plans for the future of the Girls in Science program, the focus is clear: to continue nurturing young students’ learning, to grow a community of confident girls, and to keep evolving the program to meet the changing needs of our participants. The hope is to see more girls like Camila and Zandra not only participating in the program but also advancing through life with the skills and confidence to transform realms in which women are still excluded or undervalued.
The Girls in Science program at Walking Mountains is more than just an educational initiative; it's a movement. It's about challenging norms, breaking barriers, and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. The program's blend of education, mentorship, and community involvement creates a powerful formula for empowerment. As these young girls carry their experiences from the science fair into the world, they hold the belief that they have the power to change the world.
The journey of the Girls in Science program is a poignant reminder that when we invest in our youth, especially in young girls from diverse backgrounds, we invest in a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and make a difference. This is not just a win for Eagle County; it's a win for science, equity, and our collective future.
