Organizations That Help Women In STEM

More women than ever are trying to pursue science and engineering careers, but one of the roadblocks has traditionally been the support groups to encourage women to not only tackle science and engineering studies but also navigate starting and maintaining a career in STEM. As it turns out, there are organizations, some of which have been around for awhile, that exist to help women establish a footing in science and  technology. Some of these groups have student chapters on college campuses which provide an immediate support network. Most important, these groups provides mentors─women already in science and engineering that have themselves navigated challenges to establish themselves─who in turn can help budding women engineers and scientists achieve their educational and career goals.

Design News would like to thank the educational content site College Raptor for providing the sources used in the list below.

1.National Girls Collaborative Project

https://www.ngcproject.org/

The main mission of the National Girls Collective Project is to ensure that all girls have access to resources that enhance STEM education and interest. The project hopes to reach that goal by increasing the quantity and quality of resources and by developing and leveraging a network of educators.

Related:Voices of Women in Engineering

According to NGC, organizations are selected to host local collaboratives, and, in the past 20 years, 42,500 have been connected. They’re also aiming to increase that collaboration number by 25% by 2027.

2. National Math and Science Initiative

https://www.nms.org/

The National Math and Science Initiative seeks to improve the way STEM subjects are taught by increasing the number of high school science and math teachers with degrees in the subjects they’ll teach. NMS also seeks to foster interest in math and science at an early age, so students are more engaged with science coursework.

While NMS plans to improve STEM involvement among all under-represented students, they also recognize the importance of changing the way STEM is taught so that it appeals more to girls.

3. Women in Engineering Proactive Network

https://www.wepan.org/

Women in Engineering Proactive Network is designed to increase participation, retention, and success of women and other underrepresented groups in engineering from college to executive leadership. 

To this end, WEPAN supports a network of female engineering students at over 150 campuses across the country, reaching 60% of the female engineering student population. They have several initiatives geared towards making the field more accessible to women. Meanwhile, they also aim to make the atmosphere of engineering – in college and beyond – more amenable to women.

Related:Managing an Engineering Career Through a War

4. Million Women Mentors

https://mwm.stemconnector.com/

Million Women Mentors aim to find one million women (and men) in science to mentor girls through high school, college, and into career life to prevent women from leaving STEM fields. They hope to strengthen mentor relationships by capturing and analyzing data to see what is most effective.

MWM is currently active in about 40 states and is also aiming to shift the narrative about women in STEM fields by partnering with corporations, working with nonprofit organizations, and actively recruiting volunteers to help with their mission.

5. American Association of University Women

https://www.aauw.org/

The AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equality for women and girls, through research, education, and advocacy.

6. Scientista

http://www.scientistafoundation.com/

The Scientista Foundation is a national organization that empowers pre-professional women in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEMM) through content, communities, and conferences. Reportedly the largest network of campus women across STEMM disciplines, Scientista serves to connect all communities of women in STEMM at campuses across the US and Canada, giving such important organizations more visibility and resources, and building a strong, cohesive network of women in science that can act as one voice. 

Related:These Women Engineers Will Inspire You

7. Association for Women in Science

https://awis.org/

The Association for Women in Science, founded in 1971, is considered a leading advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to achieve business growth, social change, and innovation. With over 30 grassroots chapters, AWIS is dedicated to drive excellence in STEM by achieving equity and full participation of women.