Profile
Girls Take the Lead is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female leaders through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. The organization focuses on empowering girls and young women, particularly from underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in STEM fields where women and minority women remain significantly underrepresented.
The organization offers several signature programs designed to build confidence, skills, and career awareness. The Innovation Challenge engages teams of students in collaborative problem-solving projects where they work together to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. The Career Pathways program connects young women with professionals and mentors in STEM fields, providing hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities.
The Women’s Entrepreneur Bootcamp provides intensive training for young women interested in entrepreneurship, teaching business skills, innovation, and leadership. Summer STEM programs offer immersive experiences during school breaks, combining education with hands-on activities that make STEM subjects engaging and accessible.
Girls Take the Lead partners with schools, community organizations, and corporate sponsors to expand its reach and impact. The organization provides opportunities for volunteers to serve as mentors, Innovation Challenge team leads, and experience hosts. Through these programs, participants gain valuable skills in teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving while building networks with peers and professionals who share their interests.
The organization addresses the critical gap in STEM representation, where women make up 50% of the workforce but only 28% of STEM jobs, and minority women represent just 1 in 20 employed scientists and engineers. By providing early exposure, encouragement, and support, Girls Take the Lead helps close this gap and opens pathways for the next generation of female STEM leaders.
