WID GTB STEM Initiatives
WID GTB STEM Initiatives
Women in Defense Greater Tampa Bay (WID GTB) is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders by promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for young women. Through a variety of impactful initiatives, WID GTB provides scholarships, program sponsorships, and hands-on learning opportunities that foster curiosity, confidence, and a passion for innovation.
Our initiatives include funding STEM and STEAM camp scholarships, supporting after-school programs, donating educational materials, and partnering with organizations to expand access to STEM education. From coding clubs to science festivals, WID GTB is committed to creating a brighter future by empowering young women to explore, engage, and excel in STEM fields.
Join us in making a difference and shaping the innovators of tomorrow!
Lewis Elementary school
The Women in Defense Greater Tampa Bay (WID GTB) chapter is proud to announce the creation of its first-ever After-School Girls in STEM Program. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to inspire and empower young women by providing them with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.
The program aims to address the gender gap in STEM fields by fostering curiosity, building confidence, and encouraging future academic and professional pursuits in these disciplines.
Stewart Middle School John Glenn Top Gun Academy
We are thrilled to support young women in STEM by offering scholarships for female academy members to attend the prestigious Kennedy Space Center Camp.
This unique opportunity allows students to immerse themselves in the world of space exploration and STEM innovation through hands-on activities, interactive simulations, and mentorship from industry experts. The scholarships aim to inspire future STEM leaders by providing access to a transformative educational experience at one of the nation's premier space centers.
Through this initiative, WID GTB continues to empower young women to dream big and reach for the stars.
St. Petersburg Science Festival Sponsorship
Women in Defense Greater Tampa Bay (WID GTB) is a proud sponsor of the St. Petersburg Science Festival, a community event that celebrates innovation and discovery in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
As part of this sponsorship, WID GTB actively supports outreach efforts to inspire curiosity and passion for STEM among students and families. By partnering with this event, WID GTB continues its mission to promote STEM education and encourage the next generation of leaders in science and defense.
Pace Center for Girls Hillsborough
Scholarships are available for young women, ages 6-17, from the Pace Center for Girls Hillsborough to attend STEM-focused summer camp programs. These scholarships are designed to create opportunities for participants to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while building confidence and critical thinking skills in an engaging, hands-on environment.
Through these camps, students gain invaluable exposure to STEM concepts, collaborative projects, and mentorship from industry professionals. The program also aims to inspire participants to consider future academic and career pathways in STEM fields, addressing the underrepresentation of women in these critical industries.
“I hope you and your family are doing well after the storm. I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for the opportunity to have the girls participate in the STEM Lingo program—they’re really enjoying the hands-on learning! It’s exciting to see them so engaged and actively participating.” -Davia Lerebours, LCSW
By funding these scholarships, this initiative demonstrates dedication to empowering young women through education, fostering a lifelong passion for innovation and discovery, and supporting their journey to becoming future leaders in STEM. It aligns with the mission to promote opportunities that bridge the gap in STEM education and cultivate a diverse, inclusive workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.
Lingo Code Club Launch at Lockhart Elementary
Exciting developments are underway at Lockhart Elementary, where Lingo has recently been introduced to 5th-grade students, sparking significant enthusiasm for coding and STEM learning. To further cultivate this interest, a new Lingo Code Club is set to launch, offering students the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of coding.
The club will meet every Thursday morning from 8:20 to 8:45, beginning at the end of September. Led by Megan McGregor, STEM Lead at Lockhart Elementary, this initiative will explore Lingo’s engaging lessons, which include coding concepts through music and hands-on projects like plant care.
In response to growing student interest, there are plans to collaborate with the 5th-grade team to expand participation, ensuring more students can benefit from this enriching experience. This effort represents Lockhart Elementary's ongoing commitment to fostering a love for STEM and providing innovative learning opportunities for its students.
"I am thrilled to share the exciting news that I recently introduced Lingo to the 5th-grade students, sparking considerable enthusiasm among them. To further nurture this interest, I am preparing to launch a captivating Lingo Code Club every Thursday morning, commencing by the end of September from 8:20 to 8:45. Should there be a notable level of student interest, I intend to collaborate with the 5th-grade team to expand participation. I eagerly anticipate delving into Lingo's lessons, exploring coding concepts through music, and engaging in plant care." – Megan McGregor, STEM Lead, Lockhart Elementary
Scholarship Funds for STEAM Camps: Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
Scholarships have been provided for young women from military and first responder families to attend STEAM-focused Spring Break and Summer Camps organized by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. These scholarships create opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on activities, creative problem-solving, and collaboration.
These camps empower young women to explore new interests, develop critical skills, and consider potential academic and career paths in STEAM fields. This initiative reflects a commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders by offering meaningful educational experiences that encourage creativity, confidence, and growth.
Girls, Inc of Pinellas
Chess boards have been donated to support the Chess Club at Girls Inc. of Pinellas, providing young women with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic skills through the game of chess.
This initiative aims to foster intellectual growth and confidence in a collaborative and engaging environment. By supporting programs like the Chess Club, the effort emphasizes the importance of building foundational skills that empower young women to excel in both academic and personal pursuits.
Villa Madonna School
The Women in Defense Greater Tampa Bay (WID GTB) chapter is proud to announce the creation of its first-ever After-School Girls in STEM Program. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to inspire and empower young women by providing them with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.
The program aims to address the gender gap in STEM fields by fostering curiosity, building confidence, and encouraging future academic and professional pursuits in these disciplines.
