Can you believe it? Girlstart is celebrating an incredible milestone—our 10th anniversary in North Texas! 🎉 It’s been an amazing decade of empowering girls, nurturing their curiosity, and unleashing their limitless potential in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Since we expanded to North Texas in 2013, Girlstart has served more than 6,000 girls and their families through our After School, Summer Camp, and Community STEM programs. Let’s take a journey through the transformative years and exciting accomplishments that have shaped our presence in this vibrant region.
Expanding to North Texas 2013
Back in 2013, Girlstart embarked on an exciting mission to bring our innovative STEM programs to North Texas. We recognized the untapped potential in the region, and we were determined to provide opportunities for girls to ignite their passion for all things STEM. With a range of engaging programs designed to inspire curiosity in every girl, from After School to Summer Camp, we set off on a journey of discovery together!
“When we started our programming in Dallas, I would drive materials from our Austin office to our STEM CREW each semester. We once had a STEM CREW who had to keep her Girlstart materials under her lofted dorm room bed! From adding schools to new districts to expanding university partnerships, Girlstart has had significant growth over the past 10 years. I am so proud of all the work we’ve done and I’m looking forward to what the future holds!” – Katelyn Wamsted, Girlstart’s Chief Program Officer
Opening Our Office in 2017
Fast forward to 2017, when we proudly established our very own office space. With the launch and growth of our programming in North Texas, we paved the way for budding scientists, curious engineers, tech-savvy innovators, and future mathematicians—and provided opportunities for girls to explore their passions without limitations and embrace their potential as STEM superstars!
Girls in STEM Conference 2023: A Celebration of Brilliance
Earlier this year, we proudly hosted our first Girls in STEM Conference in North Texas, where 142 girls had the opportunity to attend unique workshops led by professional women in STEM. This STEM-tastic event brought together girls from all across North Texas, where they connected with like-minded peers, learned from women in STEM in industries like cosmetics and aerospace engineering, and participated in hands-on workshops designed to spark their curiosity about STEM.
“Girls in STEM made me feel more confident in math and science.” – Haleigh, 5th grader
Not only did we host our inaugural North Texas Girls in STEM Conference, but we also served many girls through our After School and Summer Camp programs. During the 2022-2023 school year, almost 450 girls across 4 school districts and 15 schools participated in After School in North Texas—for free. Girls in our After School program practiced the Engineering Design Process, explored zoology, learned about renewable and nonrenewable resources, coded an Ozobot to perform cool tricks, and more!
“Girlstart After School has inspired me to not give up and work at the things I love!” – Kelanie, 4th grader
This summer, we held four weeks of Summer Camp in North Texas, impacting almost 100 girls. Campers explored the STEM concepts that veterinarians use to keep your favorite animal healthy. From cat genetics to animal prosthetics to stuffed animal sutures, our girls had an eventful week discovering “STEM is everywhere.”
“Girlstart Summer Camp inspired me to be brave, not give up on my projects, and learn from my mistakes!” – Mia, 5th grader
Fueling the Flame: Our Dedicated Staff
None of our achievements in North Texas would have been possible without the dedication and passion of our incredible team. We are proud to have six full-time staff members in North Texas who are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of the girls we serve. From our Executive Director Shane Woods to our North Texas Program Assistant Jaylynn Jolley, these passionate women work tirelessly to create engaging programs, guide our girls toward success, and provide the mentorship and support they need to flourish in their STEM journeys.
“I truly wish I had this opportunity when I was younger. Working as an intern and now as a coordinator, it’s been amazing to see Girlstart’s impact. My favorite thing is seeing everyone grow—from witnessing our interns begin their careers to watching the girls discover the wonders of STEM and gain confidence in themselves.” – Morgan Stinnett, Girlstart’s North Texas Senior Program Coordinator
Supercharging Our Mission with a Partnership
We believe in the power of collaboration, and nothing exemplifies that more than our partnership with Dallas Afterschool. This invaluable collaboration has helped us enhance the standards of our programs, ensuring that every girl in North Texas receives the highest quality STEM education, and provides professional development opportunities for our program staff. Together, we’re breaking barriers, redefining what’s possible, and shaping a future where girls are at the forefront of technological innovation and scientific discovery.
“I’m really thankful for my time at Girlstart. I’ve seen firsthand how it empowers young women, and I think the program should exist everywhere!” – Emily Armstrong, North Texas STEM CREW
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with STEM Excellence
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary in North Texas, we couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for Girlstart in this region. We will continue nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, creating opportunities for girls to explore their passions and challenge societal norms. We envision a future where every girl has the confidence, knowledge, and support to pursue her dreams relentlessly, fearlessly, and unapologetically.
Join us as we celebrate a decade of empowerment and STEM excellence in North Texas. Together, we can change the world—one brilliant mind at a time!
North Texas Giving Day
Before you leave, we invite you to support us for North Texas Giving Day! Your gift of any size during NTX Giving Day will support and sustain Girlstart as we continue our After School programs in North Texas. With your help, we can reach even more girls and double our impact over the next 10 years. Give today!
