Now in its seventeenth year, Science Club for Girls (SCFG) has established an excellent reputation as a nonprofit organization with expertise in girls-specific programming in underserved communities. SCFG was recognized with one of six national MetLife AfterSchool Innovator Awards in Fall 2010 for the design and impact of our Science Clubs and CELLS program. We are also the recipient the Nonprofit of the Year award by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce in 2009.

Currently, SCFG provides free, hands-on science and engineering programs to over 1,000 girls in five cities in eastern Massachusetts (Cambridge, Lawrence, Boston, Newton and Fitchburg), and in Pokuase, Ghana.

Given that 80% of the fastest growing jobs in the next decade will require facility with science, technology, engineering and mathematics, efforts to increase interest and career awareness in these fields are essential to ensure the economic security for underrepresented groups and their communities. Out-of-school-time programs like Science Club for Girls are also an important strategy to narrow the achievement gap and to assure the long-term economic competitiveness for the state and the country, as outlined in the MA Governor's Plan for Excellence in STEM Education and in President Obama's Educate to Innovate campaign, including the Change the Equation initiative.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to increase the self-confidence and literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) of K-12th grade girls belonging to groups that are underrepresented in these fields, through free programs that include hands-on learning, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

Girls work with mentor-scientists who model and foster leadership, affirm college as an expectation, and promote careers in science and technology as goals and options.

MIT President Susan Hockfield describes our history and program philosophy

Recorded as opening address for Catalyst '08 Ceremony

Science Club for Girls was founded in 1994 as a grassroots organization by Beth O'Sullivan and Mary McGowan, two parents in Cambridge, Massachusetts who were concerned with issues of gender equity in math, science, and technology. They designed a program that brings women scientists and girls together in free after-school science clubs that focus on scientific and technical skills and education. The clubs give young girls an opportunity to get involved in science and engineering activities in a fun, nurturing, interactive environment, an opportunity they might not otherwise receive. More about our clubs

Girls, especially girls from underrepresented groups, including those who will be the first in their family to attend college, have fun exploring science and technology through hands on experiments and activities. The instructors for the clubs are local scientists, graduate students and college students. We galvanize parents and the greater community to work with us.

Our leadership program for teenage girls gives them the opportunity to be role models, teach young children science, learn life skills, conduct outreach, and explore careers in science and technology. More about our Junior Mentor program

Our programs have influenced the lives of hundreds of students since its inception. More about our history