Why STEM education?
Science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) occupations are expected to experience rapid growth in the next decade. However, there is a gender gap that persists across the world. The U.S. economy needs more girls and women pursuing STEM degrees and careers, not just because of this vast gender gap, but because innovation is intrinsically tied to diverse human experiences, and a diverse, STEM-trained workforce can be a significant asset to the world at large. How then, can we reverse this potentially damaging trend? It all begins with STEM education and decreasing the STEM gap.
Why was Building Bridges, Inc. created?
Building Bridges, Inc. was born out of a desire to empower young girls by exposing them to STEM education and self-awareness strategies. This equips them with the proper knowledge and self-confidence to pursue what they are passionate about in the world of STEM and beyond. We believe that it is important to fill in the gaps by “building bridges” that will empower young girls to embrace the endless possibilities.
What are self-awareness strategies?
Self-awareness is the ability to accurately judge one’s own performance and behavior and to respond appropriately to different social situations - a skill vital to student success. A polling study has shown that girls experience a 30% decrease in confidence between ages 8 and 14 (Kay, K., & Shipman, C. (n.d.). The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know). Taking this into consideration, we combine positive self-affirmation, creative thinking, and self-perception activities with our STEM programming. Our STEM programmng helps girls become more confident learners, experimenters, and true believers in their own capabilities during and after completing a session. In addition, we provide our signature Building Bridges, Inc. self-affirmation bracelets after each session to encourage practicing daily self-affirmations.
Our Vision
Our goal is to be a part of the movement to radically change the gap in racial and gender diversity in STEM. We envision a future where young Black girls intrinsically believe they can be a part of the STEM field because they see examples of Black women in STEM all around them. We want to be a part of this future wave of Black women who feel propelled towards their purpose as empowered women in STEM.
Our Core Values
EXPOSE young Black girls to a STEM education and STEM professionals
EQUIP young Black girls with the skills needed to pursue their passion for STEM and beyond
EMPOWER young Black girls through self-awareness to pursue STEM with confidence
