Vermont Afterschool is proud to be part of the Million Girls Moonshot initiative, working to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls in STEM learning opportunities through OST programs over the next five years. The Million Girls Moonshot is an initiative of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund. The Million Girls Moonshot seeks to re-imagine who can engineer, who can build, who can make. See below for some information and resources that can help advance this goal!

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To help students see themselves with a future in STEM and to broaden understanding of science history, it is important for students to learn about a diverse range of scientists and engineers. September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. To celebrate, Million Girls Moonshot is highlighting a few of the Hispanic and Latinx scientists and engineers who made (and are making) important contributions to STEM.

Hispanic Heritage Month Resources

• 24 Scientists and Engineers to Learn More About! – Each scientist profile includes a short biographical summary, links to 1-2 hands-on science projects related to the scientist’s area of study, links to relevant science career profiles, and a link to a biography.

• Celebrating Latinx Scientists and Their Work: Resources for your Afterschool Program – National Hispanic Heritage Month offers a great opportunity for students to learn about the many Latinx contributions to STEM. During this month—and all year—use the groundbreaking discoveries of Latinx scientists as the foundation for STEM learning activities. 
• 4 Read Alouds and STEM Challenges for Hispanic Heritage Month – It’s the perfect time to integrate STEM and literacy to help teach students about diversity in STEM and professional careers.
• Latina Girls Code – This program was created to fill the diversity gap between girls who are interested in technology through education and resources, including mentors, access to hardware and digital tools as well as internships through various programs and events throughout the year serving girls ages 7-17.
• Space Place by NASA (in Spanish) – Aims to inspire and enrich upper-elementary-aged youth’s learning of space and Earth science through games, hands-on activities, informative articles, and videos. Includes resources for parents and educators. 

IF/THEN Ambassadors

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Microbiologist, Greetchen Díaz Muñoz:

• Why Diversity and Supporting Women in STEM is Important (video)
• Ambassador Profile of Greetchen Díaz (video)

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Space Agency Science Communicator, Dana Bolles:

• Are There Aliens Really Out There? Space Professional Dana Bolles Thinks So! (video)
• Dana Bolles Activity Book

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Particle Physicist, Jessica Esquivel:

• Everything Dr. Jessica Esquivel Does is Collaborative (video)
• This is What a Scientist Looks Like (poster)

Activities

• Welcome Back to Afterschool 2022 Five Big Ideas to Spark Family Engagement in STEM – STEM can spark a curiosity in children that can inspire a lasting love of learning. Interest may come from a hands-on science investigation, a role model who codes for good causes, or words of encouragement from a teacher or afterschool instructor. Learn about five ideas to spark family engagement in your program and community.
• Engineering is Elementary’s NASA Partnershiop – A suite of free NASA-funded, research-based, classroom-tested STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
• 30 Active Math and Activities for Kids Who Love to Move – When kids think of math, they usually picture worksheets and flashcards. But math doesn’t have to be dull! These active math games get kids up and moving, using their whole bodies to learn facts and skills.

Webinar

• Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults – This October 13 webinar (2:00 PM-3:00 PM), the first of a two-webinar series, will dig deeply into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with older youth and young adults. Researchers and educators will share strategies and resources to counter and break down STEM stereotypes. Speakers include: Claudia Fracchiolla, American Physical Society (APS), Michelle Higgins, The University of Arizona, Corinne Okada Takara, Bioartist and STEAM Educator.