Full STEAM Forward Turns 4! See What’s Next ??

Dear Friends,

As we kick off our fourth year, we’re excited to reflect on how far we’ve come and why our programs are so impactful. What began as a small online summer camp during the uncertain days of 2020 has blossomed into a thriving nonprofit offering a robust curriculum that embodies our vision to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive STEM workforce.?

Whether you’ve been here from the beginning, or just started following us, thank you for being a part of our journey!??

With gratitude,

Joni Bessler

CEO, Full STEAM Forward

How It All Began

In the summer of 2020, during a time of global uncertainty, a team of women came together with a shared vision: to spark a lifelong passion for science in young girls. Amid pandemic lockdowns and closures, Full STEAM Forward (FSF) launched its first initiative—a virtual summer camp. Despite the challenges, the camp was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, proving there was strong interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs for young girls.

Building on the momentum of that first summer, FSF has continued to grow year-over-year through new partnerships and program offerings, including in-person classes and a new program focused on AI.?

From 2020 until today:?

Girls served: 12 → 600+

Hours of Programming: 20 → 1000+

Program Teachers: 2 → 14

School Partners: 1 → 9???

Program Budget: $10,000 → $600,000??

Through high-quality, creative learning experiences, FSF not only nurtures a love of science but also equips girls with critical thinking and problem-solving skills —tools they’ll use throughout their lives.

??? Want to hear more? Listen to Dr. Rebecca Singer, on a recent podcast episode, talking about how thinking like a scientist builds resilience in young minds.

Did You See This Article in Forbes?

Recent studies highlight the importance of engaging girls in STEM activities at an early age, and validate our decision to create a program that starts in 3rd grade. Our own assessments show that FSF students buck the trend of typical girls by having a better understanding of what scientists do, feeling more confident in their abilities in science, and showing an increased interest in STEM careers.

Designing the Future

This fall, FSF is offering an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to introduce our students to the technologies that will shape their future. Our AI program isn’t just about keeping up with the latest technology—it’s about preparing the next generation of female innovators and leaders to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Throughout the year, students will:

• Learn what AI is, how it works, and where it's used in everyday activities.

• Get hands-on experience by creating chatbots, exploring how computers learn from data, and working on fun AI projects.

• Discover how AI is impacting different careers and explore the wide range of opportunities in technology.

• Discuss the benefits and challenges of AI, including its ethical use.

• Apply their new skills to real-world problems, building a strong foundation for future careers in technology.

By incorporating these concepts into the curriculum, FSF is helping our scholars become savvy digital citizens who understand how to safely navigate the online world.

Help Us Help Them

Your support can fuel momentum. Every donation is more than

a financial contribution – it's a vote of confidence in the potential

of every girl to change the world!