stem-for-her

October News- What's Happening at STEM for Her

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 15:51:21 GMT

Read about our latest programs, community highlights, upcoming events, and ways to support girls in STEM.

Beyond the Challenge: Building Confidence, Connections, and Futures in STEM

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:57:22 GMT

On October 9, we brought together high school students, STEM professionals, and volunteers for another exciting STEM for Her Challenge Day , hosted by Deloitte in Arlington, Virginia. Made possible in part through a generous grant from the Rackspace Foundation , the event was a day filled with problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and discovery.

But as I reflect on the experience, what stands out most isn't just what the students learned. It's the confidence they gained, the connections they made, and the possibilities they began to see for their futures.

Throughout the day, students participated in three hands-on challenges designed to introduce them to different areas of STEM while encouraging teamwork and critical thinking.

Cryptography: Students explored the world of cybersecurity, using logic, patterns, and problem-solving skills to crack codes and uncover hidden messages.
Sphero Coding and Robotics: Students put their programming skills to the test, learning through experimentation, collaboration, and a little trial and error as they navigated robotic challenges.
Artificial Intelligence: Students explored how AI can be used to address complex, real-world problems while considering how technology and human creativity work together to develop solutions.

Each challenge offered students an opportunity to try something new, work through obstacles, and experience the satisfaction of finding a solution.

It's About More Than STEM

One of my favorite parts of these events is watching students discover what they are capable of accomplishing.

Sometimes that means seeing a team celebrate after finally solving a difficult problem. Other times, it's watching a student who may have been hesitant at the beginning of an activity become more engaged, ask questions, and take on a leadership role.

These moments matter.

At STEM for Her , we recognize that building a future in STEM isn't simply about developing technical skills. It's also about helping young women develop the confidence to pursue opportunities, ask questions, take risks, and recognize that they belong in these fields.

And just as importantly, it's about helping them see what is possible.

The Power of Connection

While the hands-on activities are an important part of our Challenge Days, the interactions with STEM professionals are equally valuable.

During our Lunch with a STEMinist, students had the opportunity to connect with women working in STEM-related careers, ask questions, hear about their professional journeys, and learn that there is no single path to success.

These conversations often have a lasting impact. Hearing from someone who once faced similar questions or uncertainties can make a career that seemed distant suddenly feel attainable.

In reviewing the student surveys following the event, one comment particularly resonated with me:

"I enjoyed getting to see so many girls who are interested in STEM like I am. It makes me feel like I’m not alone or putting myself in a space where I’m not welcome."

That is exactly why we do this work.

For some students, a STEM for Her event may be their first opportunity to spend an entire day surrounded by peers who share their interests and professionals who encourage their ambitions. That sense of community and belonging can be just as meaningful as the skills they develop.

Another student reflected on how meaningful it was to connect with other girls interested in STEM and speak with professionals who could share their experiences.

These reflections reinforce something I believe deeply: Exposure creates opportunity, connection builds confidence, and encouragement can change the direction of a young person's future.

Partnerships Make the Difference

Events like our October 9 Challenge Day are possible because of organizations and individuals who believe in investing in the next generation.

We are especially grateful to the Rackspace Foundation , whose generous grant helped make this Challenge Day possible. Support like this allows STEM for Her to bring meaningful, hands-on learning experiences directly to students, introducing them to emerging technologies, STEM careers, and professionals who can help inspire their next steps.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Deloitte for hosting the event and providing such a welcoming environment for our students. A special thank-you goes to Amy Holcomb , a member of the STEM for Her Advisory Board, whose leadership, coordination, and commitment were instrumental in bringing this event together.

Thank you as well to AWS and Inca Digital for their partnership and support, along with the many volunteers who shared their time, professional expertise, and enthusiasm with our students.

From facilitating activities and mentoring students to coordinating logistics, welcoming school groups into the building, and providing audiovisual support, every contribution helped make the day a success.

What makes these partnerships especially meaningful is the willingness of professionals to step away from their daily responsibilities and invest their time in young people they may have only just met.

That generosity sends a powerful message to our students: Your future matters, and there are people who want to help you succeed.

Creating Opportunities, One Experience at a Time

As Executive Director of STEM for Her , I have the privilege of seeing the impact of our programs firsthand. Every Challenge Day reminds me that meaningful experiences don't always require extraordinary moments. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from a conversation over lunch, a problem solved as a team, or the realization that a career in STEM might be within reach.

Our goal is not simply to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is to help them envision themselves as future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.

To the Rackspace Foundation, Deloitte, AWS, Inca Digital, and everyone who helped make October 9 possible, thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create another memorable experience for these students.

And to the students who joined us: Keep asking questions. Keep challenging yourselves. Keep exploring new possibilities. The future of STEM needs your ideas, your creativity, and your perspective.

Because sometimes, one day of exploration can open the door to a lifetime of possibilities.

Jennifer L. Fortney is the Executive Director of STEM for Her

STEM Trailblazers Explore Innovation Across Washington, DC

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:02:12 GMT

Exploring innovation, inspiration, and STEM careers across Washington, DC.

The streets of Washington, DC became a living STEM classroom for those who participated in STEM for Her's STEM Trailblazers Day spent the day exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping our future.

The adventure began at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream , where students learned about remarkable innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose determination and creativity transformed industries and communities. Through interactive exhibits, they discovered that success in STEM isn't just about technical skills—it's also about perseverance, leadership, collaboration, and the courage to pursue big ideas.

After a picnic lunch at the Albert Einstein Memorial , we reflected on the morning's experiences while enjoying one of Washington's iconic landmarks. The setting provided a fitting reminder that even the world's greatest scientific minds began with curiosity and a willingness to ask questions.

The afternoon concluded at the National STEM Festival , where we explored cutting-edge projects created by young innovators from across the country. From engineering and robotics to environmental science and healthcare innovations, the exhibits demonstrated that today's students are already developing solutions to tomorrow's biggest challenges.

Throughout the day, we connected classroom learning with real-world careers, met inspiring role models, and experienced firsthand the many pathways available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More importantly, we saw that innovation is driven by people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference.

Experiences like STEM Trailblazers Day are at the heart of STEM for Her 's mission—to help girls and young women envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, technologists, researchers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs. By providing meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore STEM in action, we help build confidence, discover new interests, and imagine futures they may never have considered.

A special thank you to our volunteers including , and everyone who helped make this unforgettable day possible. Together, we're inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders—one adventure at a time.

Congratulations to Our 2026 STEM Scholarship Recipients

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:48:11 GMT

At STEM for Her , we believe talent is everywhere—but opportunity is not. Each year, our scholarship program helps remove financial barriers so that promising young women can pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

We are proud to congratulate our 2026 STEM for Her Scholarship Recipients !

These remarkable students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a genuine passion for making a difference through STEM. They represent the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and technology leaders who will help shape our future.

This year, STEM for Her is honored to award scholarships to 47 outstanding students , including both new recipients and returning scholars. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, corporate partners, and community supporters, these scholarships help students focus on what matters most—earning their degrees and preparing for meaningful careers in STEM.

Our scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds and institutions, but they all share a common commitment to curiosity, perseverance, and using their talents to improve the world around them. Whether they're designing new technologies, advancing medical research, protecting our environment, or inspiring future generations, we know they will make a lasting impact.

To our 2026 scholars: Congratulations! Your hard work, determination, and passion have earned this recognition, and we can't wait to see where your STEM journey takes you.

To everyone who supports STEM for Her , thank you for investing in these exceptional students. Your generosity is opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping build a stronger, more innovative future.

Together, we are empowering the next generation of STEM leaders—one scholar at a time.

Congratulations to the STEM for Her Class of 2026!

Exploring Futures in Healthcare: STEM for Her Healthcare Career Fairs Inspire the Next Generation

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:07:59 GMT

What does it really mean to work in healthcare? For many students, the answer goes far beyond becoming a doctor or nurse.

This spring, STEM for Her welcomed high school students to our Healthcare Career Fairs , where they met professionals representing a wide range of careers across the healthcare industry. Through hands-on activities, conversations with experts, and interactive exhibits, students discovered the many ways STEM is transforming healthcare—and the countless opportunities available to them.

From physicians, nurses, and physical therapists to biomedical researchers, pharmacists, medical technologists, public health professionals, healthcare administrators, and engineers, students explored careers they may have never considered before.

Throughout the event, professionals shared their personal career journeys, answered questions about education and training, and offered valuable advice about pursuing careers in healthcare. Students also learned how teamwork, technology, innovation, and compassion come together to improve lives every day.

For many participants, it was their first opportunity to speak directly with women working in STEM and healthcare fields. Seeing successful professionals who shared their experiences—and often their own challenges and triumphs—helped students envision themselves following similar paths.

At STEM for Her , we know that exposure changes possibilities. When students can connect classroom learning with real careers and meet professionals who encourage their ambitions, they begin to see new futures for themselves.

We are deeply grateful to the healthcare organizations, volunteers, and industry partners who generously shared their time, expertise, and passion. Their willingness to mentor and inspire students is helping build the next generation of healthcare innovators.

As the demand for STEM talent continues to grow, experiences like our Healthcare Career Fairs play an important role in preparing students to explore careers that improve communities and change lives.

Together, we are helping girls discover that the future of healthcare needs their ideas, their leadership, and their innovation.

Inside Our Day of STEM Healthcare Challenge

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:29:21 GMT

Healthcare is about so much more than doctors and nurses. It is a world of innovation, technology, research, engineering, data science, and compassionate problem-solving. At the STEM for Her Day of STEM Healthcare Challenge , students discovered just how many exciting opportunities exist within the healthcare field.

Thanks to the generous support of Inova , dozens of high school students from across the region participated in an immersive day designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in pursuing healthcare careers.

Throughout the event, students rotated through engaging, hands-on challenge stations led by Inova healthcare professionals. They explored careers in biomedical engineering, histology, sterile processing, and respiratory care while participating in interactive activities that demonstrated how each discipline contributes to patient care. Along the way, students tested their skills, worked collaboratively with their peers, and gained firsthand insight into the diverse career opportunities available in the health sciences.

One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the opportunity for students to connect directly with professionals working across the healthcare industry. Through candid conversations and mentorship, students heard firsthand about career journeys, challenges overcome, and the importance of diverse perspectives in improving patient outcomes and advancing innovation.

The event also featured a Healthcare Career Fair, where students met representatives from a variety of healthcare disciplines and organizations. These conversations helped students better understand the breadth of opportunities available and encouraged them to envision themselves making an impact in the future of healthcare.

At STEM for Her , we believe that exposure leads to opportunity. By providing authentic experiences and meaningful connections with professionals, we help students see that a future in STEM is both achievable and rewarding.

We are deeply grateful to Inova for investing in the next generation of healthcare innovators. Their partnership makes it possible to provide transformative experiences that inspire young women to explore careers where they can improve lives, solve complex problems, and shape the future of healthcare.

Together, we are helping students discover that the future of healthcare needs their ideas, their talents, and their leadership.

Interested in partnering with STEM for Her?
Whether you're a healthcare organization, STEM employer, or community partner, you can help inspire the next generation of innovators. Together, we can create hands-on experiences that empower girls and young women to pursue meaningful careers in STEM.

2026 Woman of the Year Announced - Mile Corrigan

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:58:32 GMT

Honoring excellence, innovation, and leadership in STEM.

At STEM for Her , we believe in the power of visibility—because when girls see women leading in STEM, they begin to see what’s possible for themselves.

That’s why we are proud to announce Mile Corrigan, CEO of Noblis, as our 2026 Woman of the Year.

Mile is a visionary leader in science and technology, guiding one of the nation’s leading nonprofit science and technology organizations. Her career reflects not only deep expertise, but a commitment to using innovation to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. Through her leadership, she has helped drive advancements that make a meaningful impact across government, industry, and society.

But what makes Mile especially aligned with STEM for Her is not just what she has achieved—it’s how she leads.

She is a champion for developing talent, a believer in the importance of mentorship, and a role model for young women navigating their own paths in STEM. She understands that success isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about confidence, opportunity, and access.

These are the very barriers STEM for Her is working every day to break down.

Each year, our Woman of the Year recognition honors a leader who embodies the mission of STEM for Her : expanding opportunities, elevating voices, and inspiring the next generation. Mile represents all of that and more.

Her story is one that our students need to see.

At a time when too many girls still don’t pursue STEM careers—not because they lack ability, but because they lack exposure—leaders like Mile help close that gap. She shows what it looks like to lead at the highest levels while bringing others along.

We are honored to celebrate Mile at STEM for Her’s Elevate Her Gala on April 23, 2026, where we will bring together supporters, partners, and students for an inspiring evening that not only recognizes her leadership, but also fuels the future of our work.

Through programs that engage, inspire, and connect girls to real-world STEM experiences, STEM for Her is building a future where every girl has the opportunity to explore and pursue her potential.

And with leaders like Mile Corrigan lighting the way, that future feels closer than ever.

Join us in celebrating Mile and investing in the next generation of women in STEM.

A Look Back: Highlights from STEM for Her Day 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 02:23:27 GMT

On November 21, 2025, more than 500 high school girls gathered at the University of Maryland for STEM for Her Day 2025—a day dedicated to inspiring the next generation of women in STEM. Guided by this year's theme, Dream. Discover. Do. , students explored exciting career possibilities, connected with women leaders, and discovered that they belong in STEM.

Throughout the day, participants chose from 20 interactive sessions presented by more than 40 STEM professionals representing a wide range of industries. From artificial intelligence and genomics to mathematics, space exploration, construction management, and energy, each session gave students the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities while hearing firsthand from women making an impact in their fields. Girls coded, designed, experimented, solved problems, and asked thoughtful questions—all while building confidence in their own abilities.

Beyond the classroom sessions, students visited 15+ partner exhibits , where companies, universities, and organizations shared emerging technologies, career pathways, and interactive demonstrations. These conversations helped students see the many exciting opportunities available in STEM and provided valuable connections with professionals eager to encourage their journeys.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and partners. Their time, expertise, and commitment created an unforgettable experience that empowered hundreds of girls to dream bigger and see themselves as future innovators, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and technology leaders.

To every student who joined us: thank you for bringing your curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm. You are the reason we do this work, and we can't wait to see where your dreams lead you.

Together, we'll continue to Dream. Discover. Do.