How can we reimagine STEM education to empower and inspire the next generation of Black and Latina innovators? In this episode, Nikole, CEO of TechBridge Girls, discusses the organization’s mission to make STEM education more equitable, responsive, and relevant for girls of color. Explore the pillars of TechBridge’s curriculum framework, the importance of belonging and mentorship, and how donors can catalyze systems change in STEM. With powerful stories exemplifying the challenges Black and Latina girls face in pursuing STEM careers, Nikole makes an urgent call for investment in the infrastructure to scale programs that work. Can small interventions like mentorship and social capital building transform outcomes for girls of color in the sciences? Tune in to hear more. [00:00 - 11:45] TechBridge Girls' Mission to Transform STEM TechBridge Girls aims to re-engineer STEM education to center, celebrate, and foster belonging for black and brown girls across the country. Their equity framework focuses on identity representation, real-world relevance, and social impact. A key pillar is cultivating supportive ecosystems and shifting adult mindsets that influence girls' persistence. Innovation in technology, notably in AI, outpaces social consciousness, creating a potential for bias and inequities. [11:46 - 21:11] The Persistence Gap for Girls of Color in STEM Representation in STEM is currently less than 3 percent for black and Latina women. Despite a growing interest in girls' participation in STEM, there is a significant retention problem. The available resources and funding are often disproportionately focused on increasing girls' interest rather than addressing systemic barriers. The challenge extends beyond education to include the lack of intentional investment in supporting black and brown girls in progressing and persisting in the STEM workforce. Addressing holistic factors, not just exposure, that impact the ability to thrive in STEM [21:12 - 30:14] Philanthropic Investment in TechBridge Girls Funding fuels the mission's growth, allowing TechBridge Girls to expand from serving 700 girls across three cities to over 14,000 black and brown girls across 25 states. Amidst COVID, quick funding spurred innovation, addressing student needs promptly and catalyzing the scaling of impactful programs like IGNITE. Transparent communication with donors ensures alignment between programmatic and administrative needs. [30:15 - 36:45] TechBridge Girls Support Opportunities Expertise sharing is important for TechBridge Girls' exponential growth, especially in areas like technology infrastructure and marketing. The sharing of skills such as marketing and legal expertise is valuable for non-profits, aiding in their growth and operational efficiency. External advocates play a crucial role in promoting the organization in rooms and conversations where representation may be lacking. Check out the links below to connect with Nikole! Connect with Nikole! Website: https://www.techbridgegirls.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikole-collins-puri-60b08351/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikolecpuri?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikolecp/ Giving Compass guides donors toward the latest insights, strategies, and volunteering opportunities to create lasting social change. Connect with us at www.givingcompass.org Did You Find This Conversation Impactful? LIKE, COMMENT, LEAVE A REVIEW, and SHARE WITH A FRIEND! Quotes: "Our girls are eager and capable leaders in STEM, with the primary challenge lying in the influence adults have on their persistence in this journey." - Nikole Collins-Puri "If our girls don't have a sense of who they are in their full authentic selves, with the agency that they need to continue to navigate in this space, then those pillars just become words on paper." - Nikole Collins-Puri
