Science Club for Girls (SCFG) is on a mission to inspire young girls to dive into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). This nonprofit organization aims to close the diversity gap in these fields, focusing on Black and Latina girls, as well as those from underserved communities.
Despite efforts to include more women in STEM, the statistics remain grim. Women make up less than 29% of the STEM workforce, with Black and Latina women accounting for under 4%. These numbers expose deep-rooted issues, such as limited access to quality education, bias, and lack of role models. The Northeastern chapter of SCFG is addressing these challenges through mentorship and hands-on learning experiences for local girls.
Northeastern recently noted a milestone: for the first time, women outnumbered men in admissions to the College of Engineering. This positive trend has inspired SCFG to focus on encouraging girls in elementary and middle schools to explore STEM.
The SCFG chapter at Northeastern collaborates with seven local middle schools, engaging thousands of students through weekly experiments. The goal is to make science fun and accessible.
The club operates under a dedicated executive board, each member bringing unique experiences but sharing a common passion for mentoring. Audrey Lessing, the club’s president and a third-year health science major, joined SCFG to make a genuine impact while earning volunteer hours. She appreciates that the organization provides all the required materials, making the experience enjoyable.
Kavya Iyer, the vice president and a biochemistry major, found her way to SCFG during her first semester. Her love for working with kids drives her to ignite their interest in science through hands-on projects.
Club members run interactive experiments, which have included classic activities like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes. Volunteers meet with students for about an hour twice a month. Abigail Damasio, the volunteer events coordinator and a third-year biology major, highlights the importance of debriefing after each experiment. This time allows mentors to reflect on their impact and build a sense of community.
Students enjoy documenting their experiments in science journals. This reflection not only reinforces what they learn but also lets them share their discoveries with family, bringing everyone into the excitement of science.
One of the most fulfilling aspects for mentors is witnessing their students grow and eventually become junior mentors themselves. Lessing finds it rewarding to be part of their journey into STEM fields, envisioning a future where these girls continue to thrive in science.
