Women's History Month | TechBridge Girls works to change face of STEM in the Triangle
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- As Women's History Month comes to a close, a national nonprofit expanding into central North Carolina is working to close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math.
Women make up about 35% of employees in STEM fields in the United States, according to the Women in Tech Network. That number is even smaller for women who are ethnic minorities. Leaders with TechBridge Girls say those statistics highlight the need for early and sustained exposure to STEM for young girls.
Founded in San Francisco 25 years ago, the nonprofit is now expanding its programming to the Triangle, with a new base in Research Triangle Park. Jennifer Stancil is leading the local expansion, bringing free STEM education resources to schools and youth organizations across the region.
"As a biologist, as an animal behaviorist, I have been an advocate for girls and women in STEM for my adult lifetime," Stancil said. "It is a pure joy, and I'm grateful for it."
TechBridge Girls focuses on introducing girls who are ethnic minorities to STEM fields through hands-on learning and long-term mentorship. The organization partners with educators and community groups to provide curriculum, training, and workshops at no cost.
While students may take part in activities such as building solar panels or conducting chemistry experiments, Stancil said the program is about more than technical skills.
"It's about building confidence and showing girls that they belong in these spaces," she said.
That approach left a lasting impression on Aileen Iniguez, who participated in the program 18 years ago. Iniguez is now a data scientist, a career path she credits in part to her early exposure through TechBridge Girls.
"I went into this program and instantly fell in love because I thought it was interesting that it was an organization for girls," Iniguez said. "At that time, I actually didn't know what STEM was."
Iniguez said the program helped shape her academic confidence as she moved into high school.
"When I went into high school, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to continue taking math and engineering courses," she said.
Educators partnering with TechBridge Girls say they have seen the effects firsthand.
"We wanted to do something more impactful," said Auntaria Johnson of the Dennis Project. "We didn't want a minimal, one-and-done. We wanted a series of workshops that would make a difference, and I feel amazing about the change it has made."
National data underscores the need for initiatives like this one.
"It will always be a moving target," Stancil said. "But who is in it can change drastically. For the next 25 years, we're really looking forward to changing the face of STEM in a way that is equitable and pushing girls forward in a way that helps them believe in themselves."
As technology continues to evolve, organizers say empowering the next generation to see themselves in those careers is critical for equity and innovation.
