New York, NY – Girls Action Network, Inc. is pleased to announce and salute its 2014 GAN Scholars as new cohorts to the GAN Summer Scholastic Enrichment Program (SSEP): Vinette Bristol (Brooklyn, New York), Leora Roberts (Gray, Georgia) and Kathyrn Spinks (Macon, Georgia). GAN Scholars Roberts and Spinks will attend the Wesleyan College Spectacles Summer Program. The Spectacles program is a math and science camp for middle-school girls sponsored by Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. Wesleyan finds that, “Middle school is a crucial time for girls as they view the world and the options that are before them. It is often the time when they make decisions about their interests and abilities in science and math.” In addition to the away-from-home experience offered through Wesleyan, the week long program offers the girls the opportunity to explore science and math in innovative ways, such as creating DNA bracelets or sharing ideas and thoughts with a nightly guest speaker, usually a woman with a career in science and math-related fields. GAN Scholar Bristol will attend the month-long Smith College Summer Science & Engineering Program in Northampton, MA where she will receive the unique opportunity to participate in innovative curricula in astronomy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, engineering, physics and a young women’s health education initiative. The Smith program also promotes global cultural learning and appreciation due to the number of student participants who come from all over the world. The scholarship funding for the 2014 GAN Scholars was made possible by Girls Action Network, Inc., Smith College and Wesleyan College. GAN is a grassroots organization focused on social transformation to educate and empower girls ages 11 and up, with special emphasis on those from underserved communities. At the core of GAN’s mission, the realization is that girls commonly are directed towards traditional careers, away from, for example, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Reaching beyond single mentoring, GAN Founder, Elisa Basnight comments that “GAN strives to create a myriad of innovative programs and experiences, some in partnership with other not-for-profits and organizations, designed to show girls their expansive career and educational choices at a time when, research consistently shows that ‘education for girls is one of the most effective — if not the most effective investment a nation can make to improve the health and prosperity of present and future generations.'” The GAN Summer Scholarship Enrichment Program is led by the dedicated efforts of Stephanie Humphrey, President, GAN SSEP & Community Outreach.
STEM-UP
STEM-UP addresses the gender talent gap in STEM by providing women with real-world strategies, skills, connections, and community to navigate and advance their careers. As a leading network of women professionals in STEM, STEM-UP prepares women with real-world strategies and relationships that support development and advancement personally and within their careers. By working together with GAN and the STEM-UP Network, we are taking significant steps to ensure that more young women are prepared to lead and innovate in these critical sectors," commented Bilita “Bili” Mattes, D.Ed., Executive Director, STEM-UP Network.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University is a private nonprofit institution offering STEM-focused degree programs that prepare students for careers in science and technology. "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering a diverse community of learners and supporting their journey into STEM careers," said Eric D. Darr, Ph.D., President of Harrisburg University.
Smith College
Smith College is one of the nation’s largest colleges dedicated to educating women. In 1999, Smith became the first women’s college in the nation to establish its own program in engineering science, the Picker Engineering Program.
The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP), a part of the Smith College Pre-College Programs and is designed for exceptional high school students with strong interests in science and engineering. Students engage in hands-on research with Smith faculty in life and physical sciences and in engineering. Established in 1990, the program annually serves more than 100 students. Since its inception, nearly 1,800 students have participated, representing 46 states and 53 countries. After the program, participants return to high school better prepared to tackle tough science courses and understand what to expect in college.
Since 2004, Smith College has been a committed educational institution in sponsoring and hosting 31 GAN Scholars as part of the GAN Summer STEM Enrichment Program. Each GAN cohort has overwhelmingly reported transformative testimonials from their Smith summer experience. GAN Scholars and their family members are able to visit the campus, talk to the professors and students to hear about college life at Smith and what it has to offer.
GAN has further partnered with the Smith College Pre-College Creative Writing Workshop resulting in GAN Scholars alumni.
Young Women Into Finance
Young Women Into Finance (YWIF)' vision is not just to bring young women into finance. It is to specifically target those who need YWIF the most. YWIF is talking about those less privileged, in less advantaged communities, who are less likely to have a role model in the industry already and may feel that a career in the City/Wall Street is not something they could ever aspire to. YWIF wants to take the message out to them, that “YES, it is!”
In 2024, YWIF and Girls Action Network became strategic partners to collaborate on ways in which to increase women's participation and leadership in the infrastructure and energy finance workforce.
Heights Philadelphia
Heights Philadelphia connects Philly youth to careers and college with a network of people who believe — and invest — in their talents. The name Heights is new. The commitment of our team is not. Helmed by celebrated leaders from Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars, Heights is rooted in a shared belief that all Philly students deserve a path to college and workforce success.
In 2008, Girls Action Network, was honored to partner with then Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. to provide GAN programming to its students, families and Steppingstone team members for a half-day Support Services Day on the theme of Shattering Stereotypes: Transforming Tools for Today’s Success with the key sub-themes of Resilience, Culture, Identity.
UBS Group AG
UBS Group AG is a multinational investment bank and financial services company founded and based in Switzerland. Headquartered in Zürich, it maintains a presence in all major financial centers as the largest Swiss banking institution and the largest private bank in the world.
In 2010, Girls Action Network, was honored to partner with the UBS Company’s Veterans & Women’s Networks to provide GAN programming to its members on the topic of Leadership and Doing the Right Thing in the context of “Imagining Our Future: Status Quo is Not an Option.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Jack & Jill Greater Union County, New Jersey
Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 – 19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. As a chapter that is over 30 years strong, we remain focused on our core values; providing our children with outstanding programs, leadership opportunities and outreach to our local community; and being involved leaders within neighboring communities.
In 2010, Girls Action Network was honored to partner with the Jack & Jill Greater Union County, New Jersey chapter to provide GAN programming to its membership on the topics of health and fitness providing fundamental information that meets the participants at their current stage in life. Topics covered included, but were not limited to, for GAN - Eating Right: Anyplace & Anytime.
- How the body uses fuel & calories
- The Freshman 15 - what typically happens to young adults when they go to college
- The food pyramid - how to read it and what it means for you
- The Supermarket - The good & the bad
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Helping individuals and institutions improve their financial wellness through life & health insurance, retirement services, annuities and investment. Prudential Financial, Inc. is an American Fortune Global 500 and Fortune 500 company whose subsidiaries provide insurance, retirement planning, investment management, and other products and services to both retail and institutional customers throughout the United States and in over 40 other countries.
We are most thankful for the contribution of laptop computers, volunteers, and company match donations over the years.
Uplevyl
STEM-UP
STEM-UP addresses the gender talent gap in STEM by providing women with real-world strategies, skills, connections, and community to navigate and advance their careers. As a leading network of women professionals in STEM, STEM-UP prepares women with real-world strategies and relationships that support development and advancement personally and within their careers. By working together with GAN and the STEM-UP Network, we are taking significant steps to ensure that more young women are prepared to lead and innovate in these critical sectors," commented Bilita “Bili” Mattes, D.Ed., Executive Director, STEM-UP Network.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University is a private nonprofit institution offering STEM-focused degree programs that prepare students for careers in science and technology. "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering a diverse community of learners and supporting their journey into STEM careers," said Eric D. Darr, Ph.D., President of Harrisburg University.
Smith College
GAN has further partnered with the Smith College Pre-College Creative Writing Workshop resulting in GAN Scholars alumni.
Young Women Into Finance
Young Women Into Finance (YWIF)' vision is not just to bring young women into finance. It is to specifically target those who need YWIF the most. YWIF is talking about those less privileged, in less advantaged communities, who are less likely to have a role model in the industry already and may feel that a career in the City/Wall Street is not something they could ever aspire to. YWIF wants to take the message out to them, that “YES, it is!”
In 2024, YWIF and Girls Action Network became strategic partners to collaborate on ways in which to increase women's participation and leadership in the infrastructure and energy finance workforce.
Heights Philadelphia
In 2008, Girls Action Network, was honored to partner with then Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. to provide GAN programming to its students, families and Steppingstone team members for a half-day Support Services Day on the theme of Shattering Stereotypes: Transforming Tools for Today’s Success with the key sub-themes of Resilience, Culture, Identity.
UBS Group AG
UBS Group AG is a multinational investment bank and financial services company founded and based in Switzerland. Headquartered in Zürich, it maintains a presence in all major financial centers as the largest Swiss banking institution and the largest private bank in the world.
In 2010, Girls Action Network, was honored to partner with the UBS Company’s Veterans & Women’s Networks to provide GAN programming to its members on the topic of Leadership and Doing the Right Thing in the context of “Imagining Our Future: Status Quo is Not an Option.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
- How the body uses fuel & calories
- The Freshman 15 - what typically happens to young adults when they go to college
- The food pyramid - how to read it and what it means for you
- The Supermarket - The good & the bad
GIRLS ACTION NETWORK®
