A new non-profit designed to provide girls and young women with greater educational opportunities will be celebrated Friday, November 19, from 5-7 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Care in Vero Beach. The Center is located at 1550 24th St. in Vero Beach, two blocks north of the Main Library.
What had been to this point merely a program has now taken a step that will allow it to raise funds and further develop, according to Shala Edwards, founder/executive director of the group, the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, Inc. The Coalition, known as TCGC, currently offers an after-school program at Gifford Middle designed to enrich and empower young girls. At its core is a STEM/STEAM club.
For educators, it has become critical to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts with the arts (STEAM) across the wider curriculum. TCGC helps make that happen.
“Millions of students nationwide take part in afterschool and summer programs that help them gain skills in STEM/STEAM fields,” says Edwards. “But inequities exist, particularly for girls and young women and those from low-income families.”
Edwards says most parents who inquire about TGCC’s programming urgently want their daughters to take part. But they face real problems.
“Cost is one but just as important is transportation. In most families, both parents work, and they don’t know how their girls would get home from the activities. So those are key barriers right now, and we could use some help,” she says. Edwards emphasizes that providing STEM/STEAM training isn’t all its program does. It also provides digital technology skills and emotional intelligence training along with character building, social skills, and working with mentors to close the academic gap.
For more information about Treasure Coast Girls Coalition visit: www.treasurecoastgirls.org.