Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) received $5,000 in funding from Soroptimist International to support the STREAMing Ahead program, which provides female members in Oceanside a path to understanding the multitude of career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, research, engineering, the arts, and math (STREAM).
With the grant funds, BGCO will build upon their STREAMing Ahead programming with new program offerings, and equipment. These exciting new components include: Greenhouses & Aquaponics, Roaring Robotics, Mixing Matters, Science of Structures, Techy Trends, Clever Chemists, Digital Divas, and Art of the Masters. These additions to STREAMing Ahead will help to drive positive outcomes for girls to experience academic success by exposing them to various activities designed to hone their decision-making and critical thinking skills.
BGCO’s girls especially need additional support and encouragement in STREAM. Evidence suggests that middle school is the age at which girls begin to lose interest in fields of science and math due to feelings of inadequacy; and when paired with gender stereotypes, these feelings of inadequacy continue into high school and college. With the funding from Soroptimist International, BGCO is able to counter stereotypes and empower young girls to pursue their interest in science and math. Jodi Diamond says that “BGCO is leveling the playing field for girls, preparing them for 21st century careers and opening their eyes to the limitless opportunities that exist for them.”
