STEM Girls jumpstarts careers for the next generation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org

STEM Girls jumpstarts careers for the next generation

Cincinnati Museum Center program for grades 3 through 8 works to address gender gap in STEM fields; registration for winter programs opens Sept. 30

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is bringing science to life with an outbreak of raptors, robots and (simulated) illness. CMC is preparing for its winter STEM Girls programs, featuring partnerships with RAPTOR Inc., the Cincinnati Observatory and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Registration for the free programs for kids grades 3 through 8 opens September 30.

STEM Girls introduces the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to girls (and boys!) in grades 3 through 8 by connecting them with female professionals in STEM careers. As more careers utilize STEM skills, getting children interested in STEM early is critical for future success, especially for young girls for whom science classes and careers are not often targeted. As recently as 2024, women made up just 28.2% of the global STEM workforce according to the World Economic Forum. Connecting elementary and middle school-aged girls (and boys) with STEM content in an engaging way makes them eager to learn more and introducing them to women in STEM fields, including zoologists, chemists, computer coders, meteorologists and more, shows them the variety of careers that await.

“Science is filled with the discoveries, inventions and innovations of remarkable women, but the names are still far too few,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “By introducing young women to professionals and mentors in STEM fields today we’re hoping they will begin to write their own names among that list.”

CMC’s winter STEM programs feature partnerships with RAPTOR Inc., the Cincinnati Observatory and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Each date has a duplicate program tailored for those in grades 3 through 5 and grades 6 through 8.

The Remarkable World of Raptors
with RAPTOR Inc.
October 25
Join RAPTOR Inc. to learn how to identify the extraordinary avian hunters known as raptors, and how you can help them in your everyday life. The program features interactive activities, a chance to see live raptors up close and the answers to your most curious questions about raptors.

Robotics in Space
with the Cincinnati Observatory
November 22
From rockets and satellites to telescopes and rovers, the Cincinnati Observatory will show you how scientists and engineers design tools to study the universe and keep astronauts safe. By coding Ozobots to act like space rovers, you’ll see how robotics, coding and creativity are used in real missions. Plus, try out telescopes and discover how technology here on Earth helps unlock the mysteries of the night sky.

Outbreak Avengers: Stopping Sickness in Its Tracks
with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
December 12
A mystery illness is spreading and it’s up to YOU to stop it! In an action-packed simulation alongside students from UC’s College of Medicine you'll investigate clues, track down the first case and figure out how to protect the community. Whether you’re solving puzzles, testing prevention strategies or creating your own awareness campaign, you’ll learn how science and teamwork can stop sickness in its tracks.

STEM Girls programs are free but registration is required. View the full program listings and register at cincymuseum.org/stem-girls. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on September 30.

STEM Girls is supported by PPG.