What’s New: The Intel Foundation, the STEM Next Opportunity Fund (legacy organization of the Robert N. Noyce Foundation), and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation are joining forces to launch the Million Girls Moonshot movement. Together with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation’s after-school networks, Million Girls Moonshot aims to transform engineering and computer science learning opportunities for girls and their families.
“Girls are the future innovators, engineers and entrepreneurs. They have the potential to change the world. The Million Girls Moonshot will provide opportunities to ignite a lifelong passion for STEM. By investing in girls, we empower them to become the innovators our society needs, and we’re proud to be a leader in this movement.”
–Pia Wilson-Body, president, Intel Foundation
Why It Matters: For more than two decades, the percentage of women receiving undergraduate degrees in engineering has remained relatively flat, between 18% and 21%, and declined in computer science from 28% to 19%. Million Girls Moonshot is a transformative nationwide movement that will help spark the next generation of scientists, inventors, engineers and entrepreneurs. Over the next five years, the movement aims to close the gender gap by inspiring girls to dream big and pursue engineering and computer science careers.
How It Works: Organizations partnering with Million Girls Moonshot will strive to reach 1 million girls through:
- Engaging, equity-focused STEM programs and mentorships that create pathways to inspire and support girls pursuing STEM in high school and beyond.
- Grant funding and in-kind resources through the Mott Foundation’s robust network of after-school and out-of-school programs across the U.S. to increase access to hands-on, immersive STEM learning experiences. Resources include technical assistance, educational resources, special curriculum from NASA, and access to Intel’s She Will Connect program partners and employee volunteers.
- A scalable and collective impact approach designed to reach girls living in underserved communities who can benefit the most from this movement and build on existing community strengths. Million Girls Moonshot will scale Intel Foundation’s efforts and leverage a diverse group of cross-sector funding and program partners to deepen its impact.
More Context: Read the full release on the Million Girls Moonshot website.