The Girls STEM Pathway initiative engages girls with 21st-century skills that fuel their imaginations and provide authentic learning experiences in STEM careers.
Space Center Houston’s Girls STEM Pathway, presented by Boeing, is a comprehensive six-phase initiative. The Girls STEM Pathway series takes place throughout the year – both on-site at Space Center Houston and online.
Each phase of the pathway builds on the prior phase in hands-on STEM experiential learning opportunities that promote the development of skills, with earned successes and confidence underpinning continued interest and motivation.
Space Center Houston gathers extensive data throughout the program’s six phases to measure its impact on participants and ascertain the effectiveness of strategies to change attitudes while driving motivation and confidence in STEM.
Women of STEM Wednesday
This program features presentations from female STEM professionals who will expose girls to the wonders of space exploration and STEM careers. Participants will engage in interactive STEM presentations with female scientist and engineers.
Virtual and onsite sessions offered. Available for school groups.
Girls STEM Academy
This phase introduces girls to the importance of teamwork and the science of space flight through authentic cross-curricular activities. It is designed to encourage middle-school girls to apply STEM concepts and skills through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Participants engage in innovative and creative applications of science content, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
Graduation during final session. Available for school groups.
STEM Mentor Café
This program takes place in an informal, café -style setting. Through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, participants connect with women in STEM while building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Students explore educational and career pathways as they strengthen their STEM identity and see themselves as future STEM professionals.
Space Center University Bridge
This immersive summer experience engages rising ninth graders in hands-on STEM challenges, interactive problem-solving activities, and collaborative teamwork inspired by space exploration while preparing them for rigorous STEM learning in high school.
Prerequisite: Participants must have successfully completed Mentor Café, Scientific Research, or Girls STEM Academy prior to enrolling in this program.
Scientific Research
Students work alongside STEM Advisors to explore real-world STEM topics, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, create their own high-level research projects, and gain exposure to authentic scientific and engineering practices through mentorship and hands-on learning.
Becoming a STEM Mentor
Participants who complete three or more phases of the Girls STEM Pathway, including Scientific Research, earn Girls STEM Alumni status and join the Girls STEM Alumni Community.
Alumni and pathway participants can continue their STEM journey through exclusive events, networking opportunities, and opportunities to mentor and inspire younger students.
Mentor Café is an opportunity to engage in the Girls STEM Pathway through 10 one-hour mentorship sessions held on Tuesdays from 5–6 PM, virtually or onsite at Space Center Houston.
Through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, participants connect with women in STEM while building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Students explore educational and career pathways as they strengthen their STEM identity and see themselves as future STEM professionals.
Grade Level: 6th-12th (Ages 11-18)
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