SCI's Girls in Science Initiative aims to empower and equip girls in science, technology, engineering and math.
Research shows that while women are attending and completing college at higher rates than ever before, they represent only 26% of the college-educated workforce in science and engineering occupations, according to the National Science Board. The Science Center of Iowa wants to help change that. SCI’s Girls in Science Initiative was created in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of female STEM professionals.
Rarely are students taught about the accomplishments of female scientists, nor do they see their portraits hung on the walls of classrooms. The Girls in Science Initiative seeks to introduce girls to female STEM professionals that are in the workforce right now. These successful women, representatives of an ever growing minority in STEM, are available to lend advice to the participants.
SCI’s Girls in Science Initiative provides a rare opportunity for girls to meet and connect with female mentors and role models in an array of disciplines. SCI is on a mission to develop a diverse 21st century workforce, and that starts with empowering and equipping girls in science, technology, engineering and math today.
The SCI Girls in Science Initiative is sponsored by Corteva.
Girls in Science Events
Meals with Mentors (Grades 7–12)
Thursday, November 6, 2025 (6:00–9:00 PM)
Join us for an inspiring evening designed to connect girls in grades 7–12 with female college students in STEM fields and accomplished women STEM professionals. Over a plated dinner, participants will engage in meaningful conversations about how STEM shapes lives and careers.
The evening also includes exclusive time to explore the Science Center of Iowa and participate in hands-on workshops led by STEM role models.
This event is free for girls to attend.
Interested in attending this event as a mentee? Mentees are middle and high school girls, in grades 7-12, with an interest in STEM. Mentees will enjoy a plated dinner, explore the science center, and participate in workshops of their choice on the night of the event.
Interested in becoming a mentor for this event? Mentors are college students in STEM majors or women with careers in STEM fields. Mentors will enjoy a plated dinner and engage in conversation about their STEM journey with middle and high school girls.
Questions? Email us at girlsinscience@sciowa.org.
Girls in Science Festival (All Ages)
Saturday,February 28, 2026 (9:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Curious about science, technology, engineering, and math? The Girls in Science Festival is a full day of discovery for girls and their families of all ages. Celebrate the incredible contributions of women in STEM while exploring the ways science impacts our daily lives.
Meet and learn from female STEM role models, try hands-on activities, and take part in workshops for a deeper dive into exciting topics. Workshop registration will be available on-site the day of the event.
Festival activities are included with SCI general admission with the exclusion of the Advanced Workshops.
SciGirls® Camps
SciGirls® Camps at the Science Center of Iowa create space for girls to explore STEM in new and exciting ways. These camps are designed to:
- Broaden girls’ participation in STEM
- Build positive STEM identities
- Strengthen STEM knowledge through hands-on learning
- Spark curiosity and wonder through exploration
The Science Center of Iowa is an official SciGirls® museum. Based on the best practices in STEM education for girls, SciGirls’ videos, online resources, hands-on activities and professional development work together to address a singular but powerful goal: to inspire, enable and maximize STEM learning and participation for all girls, encouraging greater interest in these careers.