The STEEM Program provides middle school girls with a professional mentorship opportunity while simultaneously building their confidence and competence in the sciences. Girls are nominated for the program by their 5th-grade teachers.
The program begins with a Summer Institute focused on a STEEM topic. The week is spent building trust, confidence, and courage in the fields of science, technology, engineering, environment, and math. Activities include hands-on experiential learning opportunities with leaders in STEEM fields, leading programs for the community, and setting personal goals that culminate in a personal portfolio project. For examples of these projects, please see the STEEM Sister biographies below.
The mentorships continue throughout the school year and allow these students to return and work with a new cohort of upcoming 6th graders each summer. In this way, STEEM creates a support system of peer mentorship, sisterhood, and stewardship through science!
Read what participants and parents are saying about STEEM!
“It is super fun! This group is so amazing and inspiring. STEEM has really helped me reach a ton of goals!” -Zoe, 2019 Cohort
“I would say that you should be a STEEM Sister because it is overall a lot of fun and you learn a lot, but your teacher chose you for a reason so just try it.” -Ella, 2019 Cohort
“STEEM has been such an amazing aspect of my life in the last few years, and has helped me become the person I am today. The friends I have made, and the skills that I have learned will be with me in the future, as well as all of the amazing memories I have made with this group. I hope that the STEEM program will be around for other groups of girls my age to enjoy, and learn from.” -Eliza, 2019 Cohort
“You can meet some other girls that might be going to school with you and you can have lots of fun and learn at the same time.” – Caroline, 2019 Cohort
“I developed the skill to talk in front of people I don’t know and I got way better at writing.” – Dylan, 2019 Cohort
“If every little girl in the world had the opportunity to experience the evolution of growth and confidence the STEEM Sisters are, the world would be a better place! “
-Janie, STEEM parent
How can I help?
This program is offered to participants at a very low cost. Please consider making a donation to support the STEEM Program!
Would you like to serve a mentor or expert in the field?
Please contact Kelli (kvannoppen@montananaturalist.org) or Bailey (bzook@montanannaturalist.org) to find out what the next theme will be!
A big thank you to our past and present sponsors and partners:
Meet our STEEM Sisters:
Caroline
2019 Cohort
Caroline really likes to read and be outside.
Caroline’s 2019 Capstone Project on Flight
Dylan
2019 Cohort
Dylan grew up in Missoula, MT. She loves to ski, boat on the lake, and float on the Clark Fork River. She also loves to do art and play softball with her sister.
Eliza
2019 Cohort
Eliza loves being a part of the STEEM program, even though she is now participating virtually due to a move. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with friends or family, and reading. Thanks to STEEM, Eliza is very confident, and has enjoyed all of her time with the group!
Eliza’s 2019 Capstone Project on Flight
Ella
2019 Cohort
Ella has learned so much through the STEEM program and had a lot of fun meeting experts in the field that are helping the world. She’s already planning to return as an intern when she graduates middle school!
Ella’s 2019 Capstone Project on Flight
Zoe
2019 Cohort
Zoe really loves science, and being creative. The other thing you should know about her is that she is very weird.
Zoe’s 2019 Capstone Project on Flight
Jess
2021 Cohort
Rhea
2021 Cohort
Rhea loves to read, bike, dance, hang out with her best friend, and annoy her younger sister.
