GIST’s VISION
To bridge the gender gap in STEM.
GIST’s MISSION
To make STEM education appealing to school girls in India by equipping them with the information, resources and mentors they require to pursue a future in STEM.
THE PROBLEM
Studies show that girls are outperformed by boys at math by the fifth grade¹. In middle school and high school girls are persistently told that math and science are ‘male’ fields. Apparently, these subjects are too difficult for girls. Furthermore, school children only hear about male role models in STEM. Everybody knows Einstein and Newton, but how many people know Grace Hopper, who pioneered modern computers, or Lisa Meitner, who discovered protactinium?
As a result of gender stereotypes in STEM, women make up only 14% of scientists, technologists and engineers at research institutions in India². At GIST, we believe this a shameful waste of talent. Worse, it also means that thousands of women are losing out on the career opportunities, prestige and satisfaction that come with pursuing STEM.
OUR SOLUTION
GIST is doing 3 things to bridge the gender gap in STEM:
1) Creating content featuring successful women in STEM
2)Conducting workshops to inspire girls to pursue STEM and to challenge stereotypes about girls in STEM
3)Pairing girls with mentors who can cultivate their interest in STEM