In early 2016, a TED Talks on the differences between boys and girls and how to encourage girls to take chances. We found this video to be inspiring. In fact, it inspired us to start a new program called Build Brave Girls. We are dedicated to helping girls take chances and be willing to not be perfect. We believe that this will result in more girls staying in STEM and other male-dominated roles or just building more fulfilling lives. We give examples of bravery, share skills to enhance courage and confidence, and challenge girls to take chances even when they're scared. We start at home in our own team with girls-only projects and meetings, and share our program with local girls in a masters class format that is directed at middle-school age girls who are at risk of lower self-confidence. The first ever program is being tested with students at Girls, Inc. The program is being funded by a grant from WIT to Columbus State's chapter. We have women from various local companies coming to meet with the girls and share their experiences. .

Check out the Build Brave Girls site for more on our initiative. 

And learn how to set up a #GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) program with our Tool Kit!