Eureka! Works

Girls Inc. Eureka! is a STEM-based approach to engaging and empowering girls beginning the summer before they enter 8th grade, helping them to see themselves as an important part of the workforce of the future.

Girls Inc. of the Berkshires is bringing the Eureka! program to the county because it works!

Existing Eureka! programs throughout North America have shown remarkable results. Data show that girls participating in Eureka!:

  • Stay engaged in math and science through high school

  • Many are becoming the first in their family to attend college

Even though women are underrepresented in STEM post-secondary programs and careers, Girls Inc. girls have the potential to close this gap and change the face of STEM for the next generation:

  • 89% find science or math interesting

  • 80% believe they could handle harder science or math

Some Facts

In our most recent fiscal year, the Brigham Center served 3,209 members across six programs.

223 girls participated in Girls Inc. programming:

  • 44% of the girls came from households with income below $25,000

  • 59% identified as minority

  • 40% lived in a single parent household

  • 12% lived with neither parent

  • 88% resided in Pittsfield

  • 97% of girls participating in existing Girls Inc. programming at GABCC completed 80% of sessions

  • 85% of girls participating in Girls Inc. programming report avoiding things/behaviors that are dangerous or unhealthy

Why Girls Inc. Eureka! in Pittsfield?

  • According to the most recent data the teen birth rate is 23.9 per 1000 for females between the ages of 15-19

  • 50% of Pittsfield students were identified as economically disadvantaged v. 30% statewide

  • Schools report that 33% of students identify as minority, 21% have been determined to be disabled, and 40% of students live in single parent households

  • Results from the 2017 New Generation MCAS for Math show that only 24% of 8th grade students scored “meeting or exceeding expectations” v. 48% statewide

  • 20% of 8th grade students in Pittsfield scored “proficient or higher” on Science/Technology MCAS tests in 2017 v. 40% statewide

  • Recent workforce studies indicate an increased need in our region for employees with a strong background in science, math and technology while the area suffers from a continued drop in population

Did you know?

A girl’s interest and confidence in STEM can begin to wane as early as elementary school. The issue isn’t just about curiosity in the subject matter, but also confidence in the skills to do the work. For girls, building self-assurance in their abilities in STEM areas early in their education is key as is ongoing reinforcement throughout high school.

Girls Inc. Eureka! aims to create a positive environment where girls can take charge of who they are now and who they can be in the future.