WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower girls and young women to explore, pursue, and thrive in STEM.
We do this by connecting students to hands-on learning experiences, meaningful mentorship, and financial support—helping to remove barriers and expand what’s possible for their futures.
EXPANDING ACCESS. BUILDING CONFIDENCE. CREATING PATHWAYS INTO STEM.
Our Approach
We take a holistic approach to STEM engagement that extends beyond classroom learning to career-connected experiences.
Hands-On Learning
Students participate in interactive programs that introduce STEM concepts through real-world applications, from engineering challenges to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Mentorship & Role Models
We connect students with women in STEM careers who provide guidance, share their journeys, and help students envision themselves in similar roles.
Career Exposure
Through events, company visits, and industry partnerships, students spend time in real industry spaces and gain insight into the wide range of STEM pathways available to them.
Scholarships & Support
We provide financial assistance to help students continue their education and pursue STEM degrees with confidence.
Our History
Founded in 2003, STEM for Her was launched with seed funding from Mario Morino (Legent Corporation and Venture Philanthropy Partners), the late John Sidgmore (UUNET/MCI WorldCom), and Fran Craig (Founder and longtime CEO of Unanet). Together, they recognized that too many girls and young women were missing opportunities to explore STEM education and careers at a time when demand for skilled scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians was rapidly growing.
More than two decades later, that need remains. Women continue to represent about 27 percent of the STEM workforce, even as employers across nearly every industry seek more STEM talent. Expanding awareness of STEM careers and providing meaningful opportunities for girls and young women to explore these fields helps strengthen the future workforce, fuels innovation, and prepares the next generation to solve increasingly complex challenges.
Today, STEM for Her connects girls and young women ages 12–25 with scholarships, hands-on experiences, mentors, industry professionals, and career-connected learning that make STEM careers tangible and attainable. We also support schools and community organizations through Challenge Days, career exploration events, field trips, curriculum support, and other initiatives that bring students together with women working in STEM.
Since our founding, thousands of students across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. have gained the confidence, skills, and professional connections needed to envision themselves in STEM careers and take meaningful steps toward achieving them.
