Girls in STEM Academy launches for 2024-25 school year

Designed to empower young women in science, technology, engineering and math, the new Girls in STEM Academy aims to address the gender disparity issues facing the current landscape. Women occupy of 28% of STEM jobs, and the gender gap in math confidence begins as early as age 3, according to the American Association of University Women. These statistics were the founding principles of the academy, whose curriculum is specifically tailored towards STEM. “Girls in STEM is designed specifically to create more equitable outcomes for girls in STEM careers,” Principal Chrystal Westerhaus said. The Girls in STEM Academy will be Indianapolis’ first all-girls school of its kind, a feat that Assistant Principal Phoebe Rusie is excited to embark upon. “Girls in STEM is going to be a really exciting adventure,” Rusie said. The tailored curriculum will focus on several things such as the gap in math efficiency young girls face and self-efficacy. According to Westerhaus and Rusie, the underlying goal is to ensure the school is a safe space and that the girls feel a sense of belonging. “We hope this environment helps (the girls) succeed and thrive,” Rusie said. Currently occupying a temporary space at 6602 Hoover Rd. on the...