Cultivating achievement and interest in STEM
nPower Girls
nPower Girls
nPower Girls is a partnership between ESD 112, school districts in Southwest Washington, and many community partners to develop career exploration opportunities for young women in grades 3 – 5. Many studies show that girls develop biases against certain careers as early as age eleven, which may eliminate many pathways to high-wage earning jobs if they aren’t aware of these opportunities or if they believe they do not have the necessary skills.
The goal of nPower Girls is to introduce young girls to career opportunities in STEM fields in their communities by connecting them directly to women who are professionals in business and industry. We do this through an after-school mentoring class that includes women working locally in STEM careers. For each class, a woman professional mentor presents a design challenge and students develop potential solutions and share them during the session.
In each after school session, students will:
- Explore a new STEM career and meet a woman mentor working in that field.
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- Use hands-on materials to practice the skills needed in STEM careers through an industry specific design challenge.
- Build social capital with other girls who are interested in STEM careers.
nPower Girls Outcomes
nPower Girls Outcomes
nPower Girls was designed to spark girls’ curiosity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through activities that promote knowledge and discovery.
2025-2026 Outcomes
Our impact by the numbers:
- 7 School Districts
- 26 nPower Girls class sessions
- 150+ students
- 18 Mentors
Here is a list of occupations from our women in STEM mentors:
- Public Health Executive
- Chemical Engineer Quality Auditors
- Veterinarian
- Fish Biologist
- Fish Hatchery Technician
- Mechanical Engineer
- Autobody Technician
- Structural Engineer
- Marine Biologist
- Nurse
- Veterinary Technician
- Civil Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Architect
- Union Plumber
- Farmers Market Manager
- Sound Engineer
If your school would like to participate with nPower Girls, please contact Kim Black: kimberly.black@esd112.org
Program Contacts
nPower Contacts
Vickei Hrdina
Director, College and Career Pathways and Partnerships
Phone: 360-952-3427
Email: vickei.hrdina@esd112.org
Upcoming Career Readiness & STEM Classes
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ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.