Girls Inc. of the Berkshires Eureka! Program
Girls Inc. Eureka! is a STEM-based approach to engaging and empowering 8th – 12th grade girls to see themselves as an important part of the workforce of the future. During the Eureka! program, girls get to participate in a variety of exciting and compelling activities that explore the cutting-edge world of science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on experiences in a college campus environment. With complementary activities in sports and physical fitness, healthy living and financial literacy, Eureka! fully fosters educational, professional and personal development.
Without intervention, girls’ interest and confidence in STEM subjects can begin to wane as early as elementary school. The issue isn’t about curiosity in the subject matter, but also confidence in the skills needed to do the work; building self-assurance in their abilities early in their education is key. Eureka! aims to create a positive environment where girls can take charge of who they are now and who they can become in the future!
Girls Inc. Eureka! in the Berkshires
In collaboration with Berkshire Community College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, the first cohort of girls entering 8th grade will study STEM-related subjects in a hands-on, girls only educational environment for four weeks this summer at Berkshire Community College. Professors will work with the girls as they dive deep into STEM subjects. Days also include programming to focus on personal growth and health, wellness and sports to promote healthy life habits. The girls will also get their first taste of potential careers as they visit local businesses for tours.
Throughout the school year, the cohort will continue to come together to expand on traditional classroom subjects, meet women and men currently working in STEM careers, take related field trips and build relationships with one another.
The following summer and school year will be similar to the first with the girls preparing for paid internships at area businesses the third and fourth summer. The girls will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the program and have a taste of future careers.
The most important feature of the Girls Inc. Eureka! program is that no girl is charged to participate in the program so the cost burden to a girl and her family is removed; this makes participation for any girl interested in Eureka!, no matter her circumstances, is a reality!!
To learn more about Eureka! at Girls Inc. of the Berkshires contact Sidney Hamilton at sidneyh@brighamcenter.org.
Check out our 2019 Eureka Brochure
Interested? Here’s the Eureka! 2019 Application
Girls Inc. of the Berkshires has been fortunate to have support to launch the Eureka! program from the Avangrid Foundation and Cranwell Spa & Resort through the Hyatt Thrive Community Grant Program …
Would you like to learn how you can support Girls Inc. Eureka! in the Berkshires? Please contact Pam Knisley, Development & Communications Manager at 413.442.5174 x. 12 or via email at PamK@BrighamCenter.org.
Your support of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires is always appreciated! If you would like to donate to support the Eureka! Program, just click the “Donate” button! Thank You!!