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EmpowHer:Girls in STEM
Why EmpowHer: Girls STEM at Women & Family Life ?
Building More Than STEM Skills
At Women & Family Life, we believe STEM is about more than science, technology, engineering, and math. It's about helping girls build confidence, embrace curiosity, and discover what they're capable of.
Through hands-on learning, teamwork, and encouragement from inspiring mentors, participants develop problem-solving skills, creativity, resilience, and the confidence to try something new in a welcoming environment where every girl belongs.
Because our cohorts are intentionally small, every participant is encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and grow at her own pace.
What Makes Our Program Different
Each week, participants explore a different area of STEM through hands-on experiences led by educators, researchers, and industry professionals who are passionate about inspiring the next generation.
Rather than focusing on a single discipline, Girls in STEM introduces participants to a wide variety of STEM fields through engaging activities and real-world experiences.
Our facilitators represent a diverse mix of universities, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and STEM-related industries. Past and present facilitators have included professionals affiliated with organizations such as the University of New Haven, Yale, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), and UConn 4-H, with new experts joining us as the program continues to grow.
This unique approach gives participants the opportunity to explore different career paths, ask questions, and learn directly from professionals who are making an impact in their fields.
Our Mission in Action
Girls in STEM continues to grow, and so does our vision.
As the program evolves, we're continually exploring new opportunities to expand and enhance the experience in response to the interests of our participants and the changing needs of our community. From new learning opportunities and community partnerships to meaningful ways for participants to stay connected, we're excited about what the future may hold.
We're also exploring new ways to celebrate participants' accomplishments, including the possibility of a future Girls in STEM Showcase where girls can share what they've learned, celebrate their hard work, and inspire others through their creativity and innovation.
While many ideas are still taking shape, one thing remains constant: our commitment to creating an engaging, welcoming, and inspiring STEM experience for every participant.
The program may last eight weeks, but our hope is that the confidence, curiosity, and connections built here continue long after the final session.
Fall Schedule 2026
Hands On Technology & Design
UConn Extension 4-H and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
UConn Extension 4-H and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
Jeff Bechard
Abby Bechard
Roller Coaster Engineering and Construction
CTE (Technology Education)
UConn Extension 4-H and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
UConn Extension 4-H and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
UConn Extension 4-H and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
Halie Shea
Natalie Bailey
Animal Tracking and Observation Techniques
University of New Haven
UConn Extension 4-H and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)
University of New Haven
Nagasree Garapati, Ph.D., P.E.
Cassandra Collins
Jillian Carroll
Women in Engineering Program
Chemical Engineering
University of New Haven
Academy of Vision and Learning, Integrated Vision Care
University of New Haven
Leah Austin
Lisa Harding Sc.D.
Women in Engineering Program
Mechanical Engineering
Academy of Vision and Learning, Integrated Vision Care
Academy of Vision and Learning, Integrated Vision Care
Academy of Vision and Learning, Integrated Vision Care
Dr. Qiaoqiao (Chelsea) Wang, O.D., Ph.D.
David Zhang
Optics, Optical Illusions & Eyesight
Guilford Police Dept.
Academy of Vision and Learning, Integrated Vision Care
Academy of Vision and Learning, Integrated Vision Care
Detective Sergeant Amy Peckham
Detective Lauren Greeley
"Ooky Spooky" Forensic Science
STEM Together Panel
Join a lively panel of STEM facilitators, parents of past participants who work in STEM, and special guests for real-world stories, interactive demonstrations, and an ask-anything Q&A.
STEM in the Spotlight Celebration
STEM in the Spotlight Celebration
Participants take center stage as families celebrate everything they explored, created, and accomplished throughout the program with a gallery walk, 3D-printing walkthrough, refreshments, and certificates of completion.