Science Club for Girls highlights the power of early STEM investment at State House briefing

At a State House briefing focused on early STEM education: Rep. Thomas Moakley; Rep. Amy Sangiolo; Rep. Mike Connolly; Bonnie Bertolaet, PhD. SCFG Executive Director; Bryanne Bowen, VP of Development of the Women’s Foundation; Ruby Opera-Collins, VP, Global Head of Internal audit at Haemonetics; Rep. Marjorie Decker; Kaitlyn Webster, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School; Angell Munoz-Morales, Program Manager and SCFG Alum; Sen. Sal DiDomenico

On March 23, Science Club for Girls (SCFG), in partnership with Representative Marjorie Decker and Senator Sal DiDomenico, welcomed legislators, educators, nonprofit leaders, and STEM advocates to the Massachusetts State House for an important conversation about expanding youth access to STEM education across the Commonwealth.

The conversation focused on what it takes to strengthen the pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and innovators — and why investing in early STEM opportunities matters. The panel featured Bryanne Bowen, Vice President of Development, Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts; Ruby Opara-Collings, SCFG Board Co-Chair and Vice President, Global Head of Internal Audit at Haemonetics; Kaitlyn Webster, SCFG Board Member and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School; and Angell Munoz-Morales, Program Manager and SCFG Alum, who discussed how replicable, data-driven models like SCFG’s can inform statewide education and workforce policy. 

Throughout the discussion, panelists shared insights from their personal journey on the barriers many young people face in accessing STEM programs, the importance of mentorship in helping young people feel confident and the long term impact STEM education can have on individuals' futures and Massachusetts’ workforce. The conversation reinforced the importance of creating opportunities where young people can explore, ask questions and build confidence alongside supportive mentors and peers. 

The event also celebrated a major milestone for SCFG and STEM educational advocacy. With the support of Representative Decker, SCFG secured $100,000 in the House supplemental budget to support expanding access to STEM learning opportunities. 

SCFG Executive Director Bonne Bertolaet and Representative Marjorie Decker

"Science Club for Girls is a powerful force in expanding opportunity and shaping the next generation of STEM leaders," said Representative Marjorie Decker. "I was proud to once again secure critical state funding to support this work because when young girls are given the tools, mentorship, and encouragement to see themselves as scientists, mathematicians, and innovators, there is no limit to what they can achieve. This investment is about equity, access, and building a future where every young person can see themselves in these fields."

Rep. Decker speaking to panelists from left to right: Kaitlyn Webster, SCFG Board Member and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School, Ruby Opara-Collings, SCFG Board Co-Chair and Vice President, Global Head of Internal Audit at Haemonetics, Bryanne Bowen, Vice President of Development, Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts, Angell Munoz-Morales, Program Manager and SCFG Alum

“Science Club for Girls demonstrates how early exposure to STEM education and strong mentorship can expand opportunity and strengthen our future workforce,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico “The results of their longitudinal study highlight the powerful impact that community-based programs can have on students’ confidence and career outcomes. Expanding access to these opportunities, particularly for students who have historically faced barriers to STEM learning is critical to building a stronger and more inclusive workforce. I was proud to co-host today’s briefing and look forward to continuing conversations about how we can support equitable access to STEM learning across the Commonwealth.” 

In addition to the personal experiences of panelists highlighting the need for early exposure and access to STEM education, key findings from Science Club for Girls’ Longitudinal Study, further emphasized the impact of SCFG's K-12 programming on long term education outcomes and future opportunities. 

Conducted in partnership with the City of Cambridge and Cambridge STEAM Initiative, Science Club for Girls’ Longitudinal Study found that: 

99% of SCFG alumni attended college

63% of SCFG alumni majored in STEM

90% of alumni credit SCFG with shaping their leadership identity

90% of alumni credit SCFG with identifying as life-long learners

Participants reported that SCFG’s programs strengthened their confidence, problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate challenges often faced by women in STEM professions. 

“At Science Club for Girls we exist to break the cycles of exclusion in STEM, and our work shows that early, consistent investment in girls pays off not only for individuals, but for our entire state’s economic future,” said Bonnie Bertolaet, PhD, Executive Director of SCFG. “We are grateful to Representative Decker, Senator DiDomenico, and our panelists for joining us today and continuing to support efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth’s STEM talent pipeline.”

A summary of Science Club for Girls’ 2024 Longitudinal Study is available at the link here.