Lighting Pathways to a Future in STEM
Letter from the CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on the past year at
STEM From Dance, the theme that resonates most profoundly is
"momentum." It's with great excitement that I share the incredible
momentum that has enveloped our organization, propelling us forward into
new realms of impact and opportunity.
From prestigious awards to
invitations for collaboration, increased funding to national expansion,
and reaching more girls than ever before, the momentum surrounding STEM
From Dance is palpable. Each achievement, accolade, and milestone
signifies not only the progress we've made but also the immense
potential we hold to transform the lives of even more girls in STEM.
Looking
ahead, we're eager to build upon this momentum, fueling our plans for
further expansion, strengthening our programs, building a more robust
infrastructure, and growing our team. With each step forward, we're
committed to ensuring that our impact continues to ripple outward,
reaching girls in communities far and wide.
I want to express my
deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and belief
in our mission. Together, we're creating a future where every girl has
the opportunity to thrive in STEM, and the momentum we've generated will
propel us ever closer to that reality.
With gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead,
Message From Our Board Chair
Our Board of Directors share their unique perspectives on their 2023 experiences serving with STEM From Dance.
In my ten years with STEM From Dance, the organization has grown from exclusively providing New York City with after-school programming to sharing its model across the world. Building our executive team, evolving and expanding operations, and refining our programs have allowed us to bring the mission to new communities. The growth, impact, and joy STEM From Dance brings to Black and brown girls is exhilarating and inspiring.
Being part of STEM From Dance’s growth journey has been exciting. As we continue to expand our reach, further calibrate our programmatic offerings, and deepen our engagement with communities across the country, we have the opportunity to move, touch, and inspire even more young women to pursue STEM-related career pathways. Together, we will transform the STEM industry and address critical issues of equity and access in STEM education. By bridging the gap between the arts and sciences, we foster a passion for STEM and cultivate essential skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.
Meeting the girls and seeing the confidence our programming brings them is inspiring. Working with the motivated team at STEM From Dance, who have big plans and execute them daily, makes me proud to be part of this dynamic and growing organization. Seeing the accolades coming in after performances shows just how much of a need there is for this program and how much interest there is in bringing women of color into STEM fields.
I hope the girls take their STEM skills and expanded view of STEM careers into the rest of their lives. I hope they remain curious to see what is possible and leave with the confidence to take on a STEM journey. My wish is that the analytical and critical thinking dance cultivates allows them to tap into their creative side and think outside the box.
Our Fix for the Leaky STEM Pipeline
The leaky STEM pipeline is a systemic issue that undermines the potential of girls of color in STEM. It's a cascade of missed opportunities fueled by stereotypes, limited resources, and biases that siphon away their interest and confidence in STEM fields. This leak not only deprives these girls of the chance to pursue their passions but also robs society of their invaluable contributions to innovation and progress.
It's time to confront this issue head-on, dismantle barriers, and pave a bold new path where every girl of color has the opportunity to thrive in STEM and shape the future of innovation.
When Sokona participated in STEM From Dance in 2018, her eyes were opened to what’s possible in STEM. Looking back at her experience, she shared that she had never thought about dance in that way - as a conduit to enhance other fields. Being meticulous about choreography opened up the world of coding for her — especially how much fun it can be.
Now a graduate of Bates College, with a B.A in Mathematics, Sokona is enthusiastic about sharing how STEM From Dance changed her career trajectory. After graduating in 2023, she began analyzing spatial data at an architecture firm that designs university campus buildings. For her, STEM From Dance was the start of an important life lesson — it’s rewarding to go in a different direction or try something new. You never know where you’ll end up.
Sokona
2020 AlumnusOur Path Forward
STEM From Dance is on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of STEM by empowering girls of color to become leaders and innovators in these fields. Through the unique fusion of STEM and dance, we provide participants with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to pursue successful careers in STEM. Our programs offer a supportive and inclusive environment where girls explore the intersection of STEM and dance, engaging in hands-on activities that integrate coding, technology, and creative expression. By leveraging the power of dance, we make STEM concepts accessible and exciting, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
At STEM From Dance, we believe that dance is more than just movement—it's a catalyst for creativity, expression, and empowerment. By incorporating dance into our curriculum, we not only teach STEM concepts but also promote self-confidence, resilience, and belonging among our participants. Through collaborative projects and performances, girls learn to work together, problem-solve, and think critically, preparing them for success in both STEM and life. Our program goes beyond academic achievement; it instills a sense of agency and purpose in our participants, empowering them to challenge systemic barriers and advocate for equity and justice.
STEM From Dance is not just about breaking down barriers; it's about building bridges to a brighter future for girls of color in STEM. By providing them with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive, we are creating a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of STEM and beyond. Together, we are breaking stereotypes, smashing glass ceilings, and paving the way for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive STEM workforce. We are on a mission to dance, innovate, and change the world—one step at a time.
Before joining our summer program, Kennedy attended coding classes at her school. However, those classes failed to captivate her, lacked creativity, and offered little flexibility. Looking for a way to improve her STEM knowledge while indulging her passion for dance, she applied to our program.
During her time with us, Kennedy not only learned to code LED lights to produce various visual effects but also discovered how interesting STEM could be. She found the challenge of evoking emotions in her audience through code, in addition to dance, intriguing.
By the end of the program, Kennedy had forged new friendships, acquired valuable skills, and felt a profound sense of accomplishment.
Kennedy
STEM From Dance StudentDeepening Engagement
In an effort to reinforce the STEM pipeline, we have developed programs that address its leaks and the critical need for increased diversity in STEM. Our primary focus is to expand the breadth of our reach and ensure our programming is accessible to every girl. In particular, we focus on girls who need a creative spark to take an interest in STEM. Through our various programs, we’re able to achieve that reach while reshaping STEM mindsets, dispelling negative stereotypes, and cultivating a STEM identity.
Our participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in workshops such as sound and audio technology, engineering, and circuitry. In doing so, they acquire pivotal STEM skills, such as coding and problem-solving. These experiences become instrumental forces in building self-confidence and fortifying a STEM identity.
Ultimately, our programs aim to minimize and eventually eliminate leaks in the STEM pipeline for girls ages eight to eighteen.
Pop-ups
A taste of the STEM From Dance experience for students and schools through free lessons and 1-day events.
Clubs
Community-led programs that teach STEM skills through an adaptable curriculum.
Camp
Our signature 3-week summer intensive that takes an even deeper dive into STEM principles and leverages the power of a large community of creatives and technologists.
College Access
Programs focused exclusively on preparing girls to enter post-secondary education and the STEM workforce.
Impact by the Numbers
Our results serve as strong indicators that our girls are on the path to a successful future in STEM.
Fueling Progress and Igniting Momentum
We are growing in groundbreaking and inspiring ways, and gaining national and global recognition while doing so.
$2.5M Sustainable Impact Investment
STEM From Dance was honored to be one of two inaugural recipients of the Bridge Grant from the Simons Foundation's Science, Society & Culture division. This grant recognizes outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of science engagement. With deep appreciation for the Simons Foundation's visionary support, we are poised to leverage this $2.5 million investment over the next five years to ensure the enduring impact of our mission.
Top Prize for Gender Equity in STEM
STEM From Dance was selected as the winner of the Tiger Global Impact Ventures and MIT Solve Challenge for Gender Equity in STEM. Out of nearly 200 solutions submitted to this prestigious challenge, ours stood out to the esteemed judging panel as a top solution for promoting gender equity in STEM fields. This recognition not only comes with a significant cash prize and capacity-building resources but also elevates our organization's profile nationally as a leader in addressing the gender gap in STEM. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to accelerate our mission.
Our Girls Take the Stage in Paris
Our girls from STEM From Dance received a prestigious invitation to showcase their talents at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Paris, France. Not only did they captivate the audience with their performances, but our Founder & CEO also had the honor of sharing our organization's mission and impact on a global stage. It was a powerful moment to inspire others and reaffirm that STEM truly can take them anywhere.
International Recognition in Science Engagement
STEM From Dance was awarded the Science Engagement Breakthrough of the Year at the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit. Our Founder & CEO had the honor of taking the stage in Berlin, Germany, to share our innovative approach to engaging girls in STEM through the power of dance. Winning this top prize not only recognizes the impact of our work but also highlights the global readiness for our mission to empower girls of color in STEM fields. We are immensely proud of this achievement and excited to continue expanding our reach on a global scale, inspiring and equipping more girls to pursue careers in STEM.
Partners That Fuel
Central to our mission is the significance of strategic partnerships. The past year marked a pivotal collaboration with Barnard College—an all-women’s college affiliated with Columbia University. Nearly 60 of our students joined this community last summer and were able to experience life in an all-women’s higher education setting. Of those who attended the Barnard location, 80% demonstrated an increase in their STEM skills.
“This program has opened my eyes to STEM. I used to have a hard time with math, not because I wasn’t good at it, but because I was a little afraid of it. But after incorporating dance, coding, and engineering, I got into it and feel positive about it.”
-Zoe, STEM From Dance Participant
Barnard College
Growing Our Reach
In 2023, our expansion efforts across the United States strategically targeted seven cities. These locations were chosen based on the demand for increased and more comprehensive STEM programming, as well as the need for growth and advancement opportunities in STEM fields. At least one summer program was hosted in each of these locations.
As a STEM instructor for STEM From Dance, I have witnessed so many students gain a newfound curiosity for creative technology and its possible role in their lives. The collaborative nature of the programs has not only strengthened the students’ teamwork and problem-solving skills but also led them to forge new and meaningful friendships with girls from diverse backgrounds all across New York City.
The STEM From Dance program gave students the opportunity to explore. They were excited about creating messages that were socially charged. The program gives students an opportunity to explore STEM and dance with students from other schools that they do not typically work with. This was not only impactful for our students, it also served as professional development for our instructors.
Parents always comment on the growth they see happening even from the first day of camp, such as conversations about STEM careers, seeing their confidence grow, and being more open to trying new things.
This experience was totally new for our students. They were all first-time coders. Watching them tackle problems together and help each other was an eye-opening experience. Seeing the lightbulb go off as they integrated tech into dance really highlighted the effectiveness of the STEM From Dance program.
STEM From Dance has given me the motivation to continue working in spaces like this. The lessons and materials provided my students with a unique experience, and many are planning on returning. I am so grateful to have been a part of such a unique summer program.
The SFD workshops produced exceptional learning, with girls teaching one another how to code light strips and integrate them into their dance performances. The process was exciting, with participants brainstorming, connecting circuit boards, and experimenting with colors and concepts. They mapped out how to express emotions, ideas, personalities, and stories. The girls truly rose to the challenge, generating a great sense of community pride.
In 2022, Tampa became one of three expansion sites, marking our first step into new territory. Despite the learning curve, they leveraged the University of South Florida resources to develop supplemental lesson plans and enhance their effectiveness as university staff engaging with youth. Although initially funded for only one year, they successfully secured funding for 2023. This partnership represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen the connection between USF and K-12 education.
2023 Financials
We leverage every dollar invested in our organization to maximize what we deliver to girls of color and the STEM field. Our financials demonstrate the foundation and momentum that positions us to continue our ambitious expansion strategy.
Revenue Summary
| Total Revenues for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023 | Total |
|---|---|
| Foundations | $974,333 |
| Corporations | $537,404 |
| Earned Income | $242,151 |
| Government | $145,837 |
| Individuals | $86,369 |
| TOTAL REVENUES | $1,986,094 |
Expenses Summary
| Total Expenses for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023 | Total |
|---|---|
| Program Services | $1,578,177 |
| Management & General | $141,731 |
| Fundraising | $388,382 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | $2,108,290 |
| Net Assets Beginning | $1,330,820 |
| Net Assets Ending | $1,208,622 |
Supporters
We collaborate with institutions and individuals who invest in our mission and are dedicated to steering girls of color toward fulfilling STEM careers. Their generous support is instrumental in providing girls with the tools they need to become tomorrow’s innovators. Our institutional donors are listed below.
- Adobe
- Akamai Foundation
- Altman Foundation
- Amazon Web Services
- AnitaB.org
- Brooklyn Org
- Capital One
- Central New York Community Foundation
- Change Happens Foundation
- Chloé
- Con Edison
- Cowles Charitable Trust
- Four Friends Foundation
- Harman Family Foundation
- Heckscher Foundation for Children
- Hornblower, Operator of NYC Ferry
- L'Oreal Foundation
- Laureus USA Foundation
- Lawrence Foundation
- Louis N. Cassett Foundation
- Marshall Frankel Foundation
- National Grid Foundation
- National Science Foundation
- New York State Council of the Arts
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
- Patrina Foundation
- Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation
- Pinkerton Foundation
- S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
- Simons Foundation
- Spark Youth NYC
- The Callon Family Fund
- The Ichigo Foundation
- Warner Music Group
- William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust
- Zoom
Changing the Face of STEM
Be a Part of the Journey
We invite you to open pathways for girls of color to have a bright STEM future full of community, collaboration, and confidence.
Our strategic plan is focused on three key growth areas.
Magnify the Impact of our Signature Model
Build a cohesive and comprehensive school-to-career STEM pipeline and establish thought leadership around the intersection of STEM and performance arts.
Reach More Girls Nationally and Globally
Establish a national footprint and a global presence through strategic partnerships.
Build the Infrastructure to Achieve Our Bold Vision
Build the capacity, infrastructure, funding, and brand awareness to support the scale and long-term stability of the organization.
In 2023, Isabella eagerly returned for her fourth year at Girls Rise Up, STEM From Dance’s summer program. She kept coming back because she felt like she truly belonged there.
She loves science and math but admits her coding skills could use a tune-up, which is why she applied to the program again.
In addition to brushing up on her coding, Isabella dreams of becoming an astronaut. She shared, “When I was little I saw a rocket going into space, and I thought, I don’t know what that is, but I want to do it. I know this program will help me get there.”
Isabella
STEM From Dance StudentGet Involved
There are several ways for you to contribute to our mission:
Donate
Invest in the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators. Your support makes it possible for girls to access free, creative STEM programming across the country.
Connect
Power our growth by introducing us to schools, companies, or individuals ready to jumpstart careers and change the face of STEM.
Volunteer
Activate your talents. Use your STEM story to inspire as a guest speaker. Host a field trip to your company to give girls an inside look at a STEM career. Mobilize your network and become a fundraiser for girls’ STEM education.
Create. Collaborate. Learn.
Choreograph. Explore. Build.
Rehearse. Refine. Perform.
Mars started with us in 2022 and returned in the summer of 2023. In sharing what attracted her to STEM From Dance, Mars stated, “As a Latina, you don’t really get to be in a STEM community where you see a lot of people of color or people of your culture. So it was really captivating to see other girls with all these goals and ideas in mind of where they wanted to go, and I wanted to be a part of that…it also doesn’t feel like you’re in school. You have more support, and you’re always encouraged to try. You actually look forward to learning about STEM.”
In addition to participating in our summer program, Mars has joined the STEM From Dance Performance Troupe, where STEM From Dance participants perform at multiple STEM conferences across the country and abroad. At each performance, they showcase how the arts and STEM come together.
As she looks ahead, past her senior year of High School, Mars aspires to be a Marine Biologist or a Marine Engineer.
Mars
STEM From Dance StudentGet Involved
Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on what’s happening at STEM From Dance.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Donate
Your generous contribution of any amount empowers girls of color to become the next generation of STEM leaders.
DonateConnect
Help us scale by introducing us to schools, companies, or individuals ready to repair the leaky STEM pipeline.
Contact UsVolunteer
Become a mentor, role model, Board Member, or onsite volunteer and help expand the impact of our work.
Get Started