#STEMSpotlight: Girls Inc. Eureka! Program

What’s the name of your organization? Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest

What’s your name and title? Youn Han, Eureka! Program Manager

In which city (or cities) is your organization located? Seattle, Tacoma, Southwest Washington, and the Metro-Portland area.

What are the ages and demographics of youth you work with? For the Eureka! program we work with 8th – 12th grade youth

Describe your organization and its mission. Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest partners with local schools and communities to provide supportive afterschool and summer programs for 1st-12th grade youth. Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, with the vision of having empowered girls and an equitable society.

What are the short and long-term goals for your organization? Our programs provide girls and youth with the mentorship, confidence, and experiences they need to grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Our professionally-trained mentors provide engaging lessons and activities that help support a young person’s growth and success. We especially focus on supporting youths’ post-secondary readiness, physical and mental health, academics, healthy friendships and relationships, career exploration, life and workplace skills, and leadership and civic engagement.

How can TAO and community members support your work? TAO and community members can support our work by volunteering with us! Part of our model highlights mentors and STEAM professionals who serve as role models for the youth. This could look like leading the youth through a STEAM activity, being a guest speaker, or hosting an intern at your workplace. You can also consider making a donation with us online or checking out our Amazon Wish List.This blog post is part of an awareness campaign about organizations working to advance STEM education opportunities for Oregon youth. A big thank you to Oregon Community Foundation for supporting STEM education!