Lancaster County is full of non-profits making a big difference in our community’s present and future. One of those non-profits is The Lancaster Science Factory.
The Science Factory wants to make a big impact on making learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fun for all. The Science Factory is located on the edge of downtown and is a hands-on learning space filled with engaging science exhibits and experiments for visitors to actively engage with. Since opening in 2008 they’ve expanded their offerings. Currently they have over 60 exhibits related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and continue to add 4 more each year.
They also offer several community outreach programs to make their learning experiences accessible to all: investing in the girls scouts and boy scouts organizations, offering 10 weeks of Summer Science Camps, weekend and after school workshops, classes and special events. For as young as this organization is, it has made a significant impact on our community in many ways.
Grateful for their impact on our county, the KS Foundation is excited to donate in support of their new Girls Code Club program launching later this year.
The Girls Code Club is intended to make an impact on the female gender and wage gap in technology. After much research, large discrepancies have been discovered in technology based work fields between men and women. There’s a drastic gender difference in technology with only 18% of jobs being filled by woman. Related to that gap is the wage difference in the field with woman making 40% of what men are paid in equal positions.
The Science Factory is determined to make a difference in these gaps by creating a space for your girls to learn relevant content in fun, collaborative methods allowing them to actively learn together. They hope to build excitement, confidence and community in girls around the use of technology skills.
The playful and inventive atmosphere The Science Factory is working to create will involve intentional co-learning, workshops, meet-ups, and a capstone summer camp. They are intentionally in designing this program to build companionship and a sense of pride in one’s work.
The foundation wishes The Lancaster Science Factory much luck in launching this impactful program!
You can stay up to date on this program for girls ages 8-13 launching later this year and stay informed about The Lancaster Science Factory’s many events here: http://www.lancastersciencefactory.org/