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Press Release: STEM nonprofit Girlstart partners with fashion tech company La Maison Steel

Proceeds fromSmrtKuff® Apple Watch sales will support Girlstart’s mission to increase girls’interest and engagement in STEM

AUSTIN, Texas (October 24, 2023) – Girlstart, an Austin-based nonprofit celebrating 26+years of empowering girls through STEM, announces today a new partnership with fashion-tech company La Maison Steel. Through November 16, La Maison Steel will donate 20% of all SmrtKuff® sales to Girlstart to support its After School, Summer Camp, and Community STEM programs.

STEM challenges need new ideas and solutions, yet half of the world’s population, girls and women, are not invited to the table. Women are dramatically underrepresented in STEM majors and careers, constituting 48% of the total workforce, but only 34% of the STEM workforce. Girlstart seeks to change this through its comprehensive After School, Summer Camp, and Community STEM programs, which introduce STEM careers to girls who have been historically marginalized. These evidence-based programs reach girls during the critical 4th-8th grades and provide the confidence and awareness they need to pursue STEM interests in elementary and middle school and beyond.

“We are thrilled to partner with a tech-forward company like La Maison Steel,“ said Girlstart’s Executive Director Shane Woods. “Their commitment to innovation and empowering the next generation of women and girls in tech hits right at the heart of our mission. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

La Maison Steel is at the forefront of the fashion-tech industry. Their mission is to connect fashion with the value of blockchain technology and digital authentication. During Paris Haute Couture Week in July 2023, La Maison Steel introduced its new line of Apple Watch accessories, known as SmrtKuffs. The luxury connected cuffs aim to fight against counterfeiting while bringing more people, especially women, into the world of blockchain technology.

“We are honored to partner with Girlstart as our missions align so closely,” said Nicole Steel, Founder and Creative Director at La Maison Steel. ”When I set out to create an original fashion accessory compatible with Apple Watch®, I could not imagine how heavily I would lean on my STEM foundation, not just for the design, but to work through the multitude of challenges along the way. For example: to be sure the product had integrity, we tested up to 16 Newton forces, which is why we invented a new connector and the implementation of blockchain technology for authenticity. If I had not been supported by a solid STEM education, I could never have brought the SmrtKuff® to life. Girlstart provides critical programming for girls to understand they can problem solve through these subjects to find a path forward. I hope our connection between STEM and fashion inspires these girls to innovate now and in the future.”

To support Girlstart and purchase a SmrtKuff® watch band, visit https://bit.ly/SmrtKuff and use code GIRLSTART at checkout.

ABOUT GIRLSTART

Girlstart is a national women-led organization, offering year-round out-of-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming for girls in grades 4-8 in Texas, California, Massachusetts, and other locations across the country. Girlstart’s comprehensive programs are designed to engage, increase confidence, and introduce STEM careers to girls who have been historically marginalized by providing meaningful, hands-on STEM programming through after school, summer camps, and other community events. To learn more, visit www.girlstart.org, or follow us on social: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT LA MAISON STEEL

La Maison Steel, launched in 2023 at Paris Haute Couture Week, as the world’s first blockchain native luxury brand and invention of a new luxury accessory, the SmrtKuff®. While creating a fashion cure for Apple Watch®, Steel merged art, fashion and technology to create a modern cultural-shifting brand rooted in exceptional detail and integrity. The Icon logo represents the Steel philosophy of authenticity, inspiration, innovation and excellence. Led by founder and designer, Nicole Steel, the team spans Paris, Zurich, Madrid, Chicago, and Palm Beach. All Steel designs are born with a proprietary On Chain Verified process that revolutionizes digital product passports and authenticity. La Maison Steel has approximately 150 global utility or design patents and trademarks published or pending. To learn more visit www.lamaisonsteel.com, and follow us social: Instagram @lamaisonsteel & @smrtkuff, TiKTok @lamaisonsteelor, LinkedIn @lamaisonsteel.

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Press Release: World-First Sponsor X Returns to United States Grand Prix with STEM-Focused Organization, Girlstart

Back for the second time in Austin, TX, with McLaren Formula 1 Team, the Smartsheet initiative will spotlight how Girlstart is unlocking a world of possibilities for young girls through STEM education

BELLEVUE, Wash., October 10, 2023 – In partnership with McLaren Formula 1 Team, Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR), the enterprise work management platform, today announced it will highlight national women-led nonprofit, Girlstart, as the next Sponsor X taking the place of the Smartsheet logo on McLaren’s F1 race cars at the United States Grand Prix on October 20-22, 2023.

Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM

Smartsheet and Girlstart believe that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will help solve the biggest challenges of today and tomorrow, yet half of the world’s potential idea makers—women and girls—are often discouraged from developing vital STEM skills.

Founded in 1997, Girlstart is on a mission to inspire girls to be world-changers by increasing their interest and engagement in STEM through a variety of innovative year-round programs for elementary girls with a special focus on grades 4-8—a critical age where stereotyping and external biases start to take hold and interest in subjects like math and science starts to fade. Each program is rooted in real-world, non-intimidating curriculums that help foster and develop skills across the full STEM spectrum, provide an understanding of the importance of STEM, and boost girls’ self-confidence and interest in STEM classes, majors, and careers. 

“At Girlstart, we teach girls that they can be whatever they want when they grow up. We ignite a spark in them about STEM and give them the confidence they need to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or math,” said Shane Woods, executive director at Girlstart. “The opportunity that Sponsor X presents to shine a light on the girls that we empower through STEM education is invaluable because we believe everyone belongs in STEM.”

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Girlstart, Smartsheet, and McLaren will host two special days of programming for a select group of local Austin Girlstart girls where they will hear and learn directly from women in STEM, including former MIT engineer and host of the Netflix series Emily’s Wonder Lab, Emily Calandrelli, and a McLaren STEM ambassador. Students will learn how to code robots to compete in a Formula 1-inspired race, meet McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, and receive a special behind-the-scenes tour of the McLaren garage at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack. 

“At McLaren Racing, we are passionate about promoting STEM and making pathways ever-more accessible and aspirational. The Smartsheet Sponsor X initiative has enabled us to connect with inspiring, STEM-related nonprofits at key race events and provide our team’s support,” said Louise McEwen, executive director, brand and marketing at McLaren Racing. We’re excited to meet Girlstart at this year’s United States Grand Prix, an incredible organisation which empowers young women to embrace and pursue STEM careers, and hope they have an unforgettable experience being introduced to the world of Formula 1.”

Reimagining what a sponsorship can do

Sponsor X puts the Smartsheet mission into action by elevating people and organizations that are doing work that truly matters. Launched in 2022, the first-of-its-kind initiative has raised awareness for STEM nonprofits across the world, including Australia-based DeadlyScience, Oakland. CA–based The Hidden Genius Project, UK-based STEAM Co., and now Austin, TX–based Girlstart. 

“When we launched Sponsor X, we had one simple mission: to elevate deserving nonprofit organizations by putting them front and center in the world of Formula 1. The community it has built and the impact we have seen is beyond what we could have imagined,” said Andrew Bennett, chief marketing officer at Smartsheet. “After two years and three races around the world, I’m proud that we have raised awareness about the importance of STEM education, creating a connected community amongst our Sponsor X nonprofits, and most importantly, helping inspire the next generation of technologists, innovators, engineers, and more.” 

Learn more about Sponsor X and the missions of each nonprofit organization the initiative has highlighted here. 

About Girlstart

Girlstart is a national women-led organization, offering year-round out-of-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming for girls in grades 4-8 in Texas, California, Massachusetts, and other locations across the country. Girlstart’s comprehensive programs are designed to engage, increase confidence, and introduce STEM careers to girls who have been historically marginalized by providing meaningful, hands-on STEM programming through after school, summer camps, and other community events. To learn more, visit www.girlstart.org, or follow us on social: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Smartsheet

Smartsheet (NYSE: SMAR) is the enterprise work management platform. The foundation for managing projects, programs, and processes for millions of global customers, Smartsheet empowers everyone to work better, at scale. Visit www.smartsheet.com to learn more.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Girlstart in North Texas: Unleashing Girls’ STEM Potential

Can you believe it? Girlstart is celebrating an incredible milestone—our 10th anniversary in North Texas! 🎉 It’s been an amazing decade of empowering girls, nurturing their curiosity, and unleashing their limitless potential in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Since we expanded to North Texas in 2013, Girlstart has served more than 6,000 girls and their families through our After School, Summer Camp, and Community STEM programs. Let’s take a journey through the transformative years and exciting accomplishments that have shaped our presence in this vibrant region.

Expanding to North Texas 2013

Back in 2013, Girlstart embarked on an exciting mission to bring our innovative STEM programs to North Texas. We recognized the untapped potential in the region, and we were determined to provide opportunities for girls to ignite their passion for all things STEM. With a range of engaging programs designed to inspire curiosity in every girl, from After School to Summer Camp, we set off on a journey of discovery together!

“When we started our programming in Dallas, I would drive materials from our Austin office to our STEM CREW each semester. We once had a STEM CREW who had to keep her Girlstart materials under her lofted dorm room bed! From adding schools to new districts to expanding university partnerships, Girlstart has had significant growth over the past 10 years. I am so proud of all the work we’ve done and I’m looking forward to what the future holds!” – Katelyn Wamsted, Girlstart’s Chief Program Officer

Opening Our Office in 2017

Fast forward to 2017, when we proudly established our very own office space. With the launch and growth of our programming in North Texas, we paved the way for budding scientists, curious engineers, tech-savvy innovators, and future mathematicians—and provided opportunities for girls to explore their passions without limitations and embrace their potential as STEM superstars!

Girls in STEM Conference 2023: A Celebration of Brilliance

Earlier this year, we proudly hosted our first Girls in STEM Conference in North Texas, where 142 girls had the opportunity to attend unique workshops led by professional women in STEM. This STEM-tastic event brought together girls from all across North Texas, where they connected with like-minded peers, learned from women in STEM in industries like cosmetics and aerospace engineering, and participated in hands-on workshops designed to spark their curiosity about STEM.

“Girls in STEM made me feel more confident in math and science.” – Haleigh, 5th grader

Not only did we host our inaugural North Texas Girls in STEM Conference, but we also served many girls through our After School and Summer Camp programs. During the 2022-2023 school year, almost 450 girls across 4 school districts and 15 schools participated in After School in North Texas—for free. Girls in our After School program practiced the Engineering Design Process, explored zoology, learned about renewable and nonrenewable resources, coded an Ozobot to perform cool tricks, and more!

“Girlstart After School has inspired me to not give up and work at the things I love!” – Kelanie, 4th grader

This summer, we held four weeks of Summer Camp in North Texas, impacting almost 100 girls. Campers explored the STEM concepts that veterinarians use to keep your favorite animal healthy. From cat genetics to animal prosthetics to stuffed animal sutures, our girls had an eventful week discovering “STEM is everywhere.”

“Girlstart Summer Camp inspired me to be brave, not give up on my projects, and learn from my mistakes!” – Mia, 5th grader

Girlstart Summer Camp

Fueling the Flame: Our Dedicated Staff

None of our achievements in North Texas would have been possible without the dedication and passion of our incredible team. We are proud to have six full-time staff members in North Texas who are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of the girls we serve. From our Executive Director Shane Woods to our North Texas Program Assistant Jaylynn Jolley, these passionate women work tirelessly to create engaging programs, guide our girls toward success, and provide the mentorship and support they need to flourish in their STEM journeys.

“I truly wish I had this opportunity when I was younger. Working as an intern and now as a coordinator, it’s been amazing to see Girlstart’s impact. My favorite thing is seeing everyone grow—from witnessing our interns begin their careers to watching the girls discover the wonders of STEM and gain confidence in themselves.” – Morgan Stinnett, Girlstart’s North Texas Senior Program Coordinator

Supercharging Our Mission with a Partnership

We believe in the power of collaboration, and nothing exemplifies that more than our partnership with Dallas Afterschool. This invaluable collaboration has helped us enhance the standards of our programs, ensuring that every girl in North Texas receives the highest quality STEM education, and provides professional development opportunities for our program staff. Together, we’re breaking barriers, redefining what’s possible, and shaping a future where girls are at the forefront of technological innovation and scientific discovery.

“I’m really thankful for my time at Girlstart. I’ve seen firsthand how it empowers young women, and I think the program should exist everywhere!” – Emily Armstrong, North Texas STEM CREW

Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with STEM Excellence

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary in North Texas, we couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for Girlstart in this region. We will continue nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, creating opportunities for girls to explore their passions and challenge societal norms. We envision a future where every girl has the confidence, knowledge, and support to pursue her dreams relentlessly, fearlessly, and unapologetically.

Join us as we celebrate a decade of empowerment and STEM excellence in North Texas. Together, we can change the world—one brilliant mind at a time!

North Texas Giving Day

Before you leave, we invite you to support us for North Texas Giving Day! Your gift of any size during NTX Giving Day will support and sustain Girlstart as we continue our After School programs in North Texas. With your help, we can reach even more girls and double our impact over the next 10 years. Give today!

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From sea to galaxy: exploring Girlstart’s 2023 summer camps

Written by Lily Prath

That’s a wrap on 2023 Girlstart Summer Camp!

This summer, over 800 4th-8th grade girls were introduced to the wonderful world of STEM, with 37 camps taking place across 22 locations and six states. From exploring the depths of the oceans to the furthest reaches of the galaxy, this summer we offered a total of five unique camp themes; Keep Girlstart Weird, Girlstart Galaxy, Under the Sea, Scrub In, and Pet Vet.

As Girlstart’s Summer Communications Intern in Austin, I had a front row seat to most of these camps!

Campers started each morning with intention as they mapped out the day and practiced various social and emotional skills, including bravery, empathy, perseverance, and kindness. They got to know their fellow campers and our STEM CREW program leaders, who guided them through exciting and challenging activities related to the camp theme. Participants also heard from amazing women in STEM guest speakers who shared about their current career and how they got there. Each week ended with campers setting goals for themselves as they work toward their future career!

Here are some highlights from each camp:

The first Central Texas camp theme was Keep Girlstart Weird. In this Austin-inspired camp, participants explored the things that make Austin unique—including its music scene—as they engineered an outdoor music stage. Campers even designed a conductive piano by learning about coding and engineering. To celebrate the amazing food we have in Austin, participants designed a functional solar-powered mini food truck! The Austin adventure continued with campers programming robots to race along a track to win a Formula 1 race. At the end of the week, Keep Austin Beautiful visited and taught the girls about keeping their city clean and safe.

In Girlstart Galaxy, participants explored the International Space Station through an interactive Virtual Reality landscape. They also got to engineer and build devices to help spacecraft launch and land. To learn about what it takes to operate the space station, the campers experimented with collecting planetary core samples and cultivating crops in containers meant to sustain their growth. Campers also heard from a Mars geochemist from NASA, who drove in from Houston just to speak with them.

“Summer 2023 was truly one to remember, and I’m so grateful to all of Girlstart’s wonderful counselors, parents, and campers for making this a summer full of STEM fun!” – Hannah Winkler, Girlstart’s Strategic Projects Manager

Leaving the solar system for the depths of our seas and oceans, Under the Sea was all about marine biology! Starting in shallow waters, participants created a model tide pool and explored how gravity affects Earth’s ocean. Next they learned about endangered sea turtles and designed a cage to protect tiny turtle hatchlings. Other activities included engineering an ocean-cleaning robot, creating a dolphin prosthetic, and coding a game centered around marine life. A major highlight was hearing directly from women currently aboard the Nautilus vessel in the Pacific Ocean, who are conducting explorations of the sea floor.

Doctor’s orders: At our last camp in Central Texas, participants had the chance to “Scrub In” for a week of fun activities highlighting medical careers. They practiced suturing cuts on stuffed animals and diagnosing bacteria cultures. They investigated the heart and the complex blood it pumps, creating a model of both. Exploring both anatomy and engineering, girls created and played an operation-style board game, created a functional, life-size prosthetic device for a leg, and made a scalable 3D cell on Tinkercad.

Our camps in Texas, California, Massachusetts, Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin focused on veterinary science. Pet Vet campers channeled their inner veterinarian as they sutured a ‘hurt’ stuffed animal, 3D modeled a unique animal shelter, and learned to code a robotic pet’s journey to the vet’s office using ozobots. From investigating cat genetics to examining fish tank environments to building a prosthetic limb for an injured pet, girls explored helping furry friends big and small. They also discovered different careers and learned about amazing women in STEM who have paved the way, such as Rosa Smith Eigenmann, the first woman ichthyologist (marine biologist who studies fish) in the U.S.

This is just some of the feedback we received from our campers and their parents:

“Girlstart Summer Camp has inspired me to want to do STEM when I grow up.” – Alana, 6th Grader

“At Girlstart I learned that even though I am a girl, I can get any job that I set my mind to.” – Molly, 5th Grader

“Girlstart began the week immediately following summer school and, hands down, the Girlstart program was 100 times better than the classes our school district offers. My daughter was so excited to share and demonstrate what she learned each day when she came home. Having an all-girls environment was powerful too.” – Girlstart Parent

We appreciate everyone who brought camp to life so vibrantly, especially our incredible guest speakers, STEM CREW camp counselors, program staff, and funders. See you next summer!

About the author: We want to say a special thank you to our Summer Communications Intern Lily Prath, who wrote this blog post and captured photos and videos at our Central Texas camps. She enjoyed getting to engage with the girls each week, and looks forward to attending ASU this fall!

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