San Diego, CA—Elementary and Middle Schools in San Diego County are invited to apply for SciTech, an afterschool program that inspires girls in grades 4–6 to become innovative and creative thinkers by fostering excitement and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). 

Through inquiry-based, collaborative investigations, family engagement and interactions with female role models, SciTech aims to:

• Build self-confidence and science interest among girls in San Diego area schools.
• Foster an interest in science, technology and engineering careers.
• Make science accessible to girls in underrepresented communities.
• Develop connections between girls and the local scientific community.

"SciTech provides opportunities to our girls that they most likely would not be able to have due to socio-economics," said a teacher from a participating school. "Every year, we get more applications for the program and I see girls really developing an interest in science. Although that may happen in the regular classroom, the program provides them an opportunity to follow their passion/interests and may provide a potential pathway for their future."

Schools in the SciTech program can select up to 30 students to participate in the weekly two-hour program from October to May. For the upcoming year, the Fleet Science Center will be working closely with SciTech school partners to provide opportunities onsite and/or virtually to fit each school’s scheduling needs or limitations. 

For more information about SciTech and the application process, visit fleetscience.org/scitech.