This presentation is part of the 20th Annual (virtual) Diversity Symposium, held October 19-23, 2020 by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity at Colorado State University.

Historically our society and educational systems have promoted privileged boys rather than girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. These actions have negative ramifications for all girls but are especially detrimental for minoritized and economically disadvantaged girls. Our research and outreach work focuses on empowering girls from marginalized populations in STEM academics and careers. We argue promoting young minoritized and economically disadvantaged girls in STEM dilutes educational inequality, giving girls from marginalized populations opportunities to gain academic skills, meaningful STEM learning experiences, and confidence to be successful in STEM academics and careers. Furthermore, especially important in the current atmosphere in the United States, our work aims to break down racial barriers and systemic racism that prevent young women from achieving and forming positive identities in STEM. This workshop will highlight this work and discuss implications for socially just educators through focus on three potential outcomes: individual, sociological, and economic benefits of empowering marginalized girls in STEM.

https://diversity.colostate.edu/