What is the SMART Girls Club?

Program Objectives:

The YWCA Lincoln SMART Girls Club is an empowerment program for youth girls in 4th through 8th grades to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. The club provides a space that is their own for the SMART Girls to explore S.T.E.M. topics, activities, careers, and women in S.T.E.M. through an engaging curriculum. In club, they can build on their own skill sets in S.T.E.M., critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

STEM careers are the highest growing fields and have the most potential for increased income, workforce projections show that nine of the 10 fastest-growing occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree will require significant scientific or mathematical training. STEM academics and the workforce has traditionally been a male-dominated area. In 2018, the US Department of Labor identified that women in STEM-related occupations only account for 26% of the workforce. Within that 26% of women only makeup 16% of engineers, 25% of computer and technology, 48% in mathematics, and 45% in physical sciences. Compared to 23% in 2010, women working in all STEM fields have only increased by 3%, and only 23% percent since 1970. 

We continue to work towards changing that through SMART Girls Club! 

“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” - Mae Jemison