Course Offerings
Artifical Intelligence
Girls Who Shape Artificial Intelligence is a 10-session, project-based learning experience that helps students understand how AI works, explore its impact on society, and design their own AI powered solutions.
Students learn through interactive activities, collaborative projects, industry mentorship, and presentations that make complex technology engaging and accessible.
Syllabus
AI is Everywhere
Meet the technology shaping our world.
Teaching Computers to Think
Discover how machines learn and how artificial intelligence improves through data.
Data Detectives
Explore how information powers AI systems and helps computers recognize patterns.
Can AI Be Fair?
Understand bias in technology and why fairness matters when building AI systems.
Smart Decisions
Learn how algorithms make choices and how computers solve problems.
AI and Creativity
Explore how AI can create art, music, stories, and computer programs.
AI in Our Lives
Discover how AI is used in healthcare, climate solutions, and social media.
Who's Responsible?
Explore AI ethics, safety, and the responsibility behind technology decisions.
You Belong in Tech
Meet inspiring innovators and discover how everyone can shape the future of AI.
Design Your Own AI Idea
Create an AI concept by identifying a problem and designing a technology solution.
Biology
This course introduces students to the science of infectious diseases and the body’s natural defenses. Students begin by learning what viruses are, how they infect living cells, and the different ways they spread between individuals. They then explore how germs are transmitted and discover how everyday hygiene practices help reduce the spread of disease.
Syllabus
Viruses
What viruses are and how they spread.
Hygiene
Learn how germs spread and how proper hygiene practices help reduce transmission.
Prevention (Part I)
Explore ways to prevent disease before infection occurs and understand the importance of proactive health choices.
Prevention (Part II)
Community-level prevention, public health, and understanding chain reactions of disease spread.
Vaccination (Immune Training)
How vaccines safely train the immune system to recognize and respond to harmful germs.
Vaccination (Safety & Trust)
How vaccines are developed, tested for safety, monitored, and used in healthcare decisions.
Herd Immunity
How high levels of immunity in a community help protect people who are most vulnerable.
Microbiome
Explore the beneficial microbes that support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Biomedical Engineering
This biomedical engineering course introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering design and how technology can be applied to solve real-world medical and biological challenges. Topics include biomaterials, biomechanics, prosthetic design, and cardiovascular engineering,
Syllabus
Intro to Biomedical Engineering (BME)
Introduction to engineering design process.
Biomaterials
Biomechanics of the heart.
Heart Valve Replacement
Building a replacement heart.
Biomechanics
Applications in the musculoskeletal system.
Beauty and the Beak Prosthetics
Building a replacement eagle beak.
Chemistry
Our Chemistry in Action program engages middle school girls with the exciting world of chemical reactions and scientific inquiry. Through interactive experiments and hands-on learning, participants explore fundamental chemistry principles, fostering curiosity and a love for science.
Engineering
Apply the engineering design process to build, test, and improve the "best" marble roller coaster.
Microscopy
Use microscopes to explore the environment and investigate the tiny building blocks of matter and life.
Chemical Reactions
Investigate exciting chemical reactions by creating Elephant's Toothpaste and exploring reaction chemistry.
Molecules
Act as atoms to build molecules and use 3D molecular models to understand chemical structures.
Solutions & Polymers
Explore crystals, mixtures, solutions, polarity, polymers, and viscosity through hands-on investigations.
Proteins
Measure physical strength and investigate the chemical activity of proteins through laboratory experiments.
Surfactants
Learn how soaps and detergents work by exploring non-polar materials, emulsions, and surface tension.
DNA
Extract and compare DNA from different organisms while exploring genetics and molecular biology.
Chromatography
Separate mixtures using chromatography and connect classroom learning with local chemistry laboratories and technical conferences.
Field Trip & Celebration
Visit a local chemistry laboratory, experience live demonstrations, and celebrate student achievements.
Coding
Our Code Creators program, “Build Intuitive Apps,” offers middle school girls an engaging introduction to the world of coding, guiding them through the process of designing and creating their own intuitive applications.
Introduction to Computer Science & Scratch
Get started with computer science by learning Scratch and creating an animation of your name.
Think Like a Computer Scientist
Explore the design process, use loops to simplify code, and create music with programming.
Animation with Scratch
Create animated stories while learning about conditions, events, and interactive programming.
UX Design
Learn user experience design through wireframing, app design, augmented reality, video sensing, and interactive game design.
Apply Your Learning
Use programming concepts to design and build your own Pong-style game in Scratch.
Pitch Your Concept
Develop and present your final project idea, including goals, features, and design plan.
Final Project – Part 1
Begin building your final Scratch project by applying the skills learned throughout the course.
Final Project – Part 2
Continue developing, testing, and improving your project through iteration and feedback.
Final Project Showcase
Complete, present, and celebrate your final Scratch project while reflecting on your learning journey.
Cybersecurity
Our Cybersecurity program introduces middle school girls to the exciting and critical field of digital security. Participants learn about protecting information, understanding online threats, and developing foundational skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Syllabus
Online Safety & Digital Footprint
Understand and protect your personal information while building a positive digital footprint.
Password Power
Understand what makes a strong password and how to keep your online accounts secure.
Spot the Phish!
Recognize scam emails, fake messages, and social media traps before they fool you.
Cyberbullying & Online Kindness
Learn how to recognize cyberbullying and respond with confidence, empathy, and respect.
Intro to Hacking (Ethically!)
Discover how ethical hackers help protect people, organizations, and the internet.
Data Privacy & Apps
Understand the permissions apps request, how data is collected, and why privacy matters.
Safe Gaming
Learn how to protect your privacy, identity, and accounts while gaming online.
Code Your Own Cybersecurity Game
Use beginner-friendly coding to create your own fun cybersecurity-themed game.
Who's Behind the Screen? (Social Engineering)
Learn how scammers manipulate people online and how to recognize social engineering tactics.
Careers in Cybersecurity
Explore exciting cybersecurity careers, meet inspiring role models, and discover pathways into the industry.
Renewable Energy
Our Energy program introduces middle school girls to the fascinating world of renewable energy. Participants will explore sustainable technologies, learn about different energy sources, and understand their impact on our environment, inspiring innovation for a greener future.
Electricity Everyday
Discover how electricity powers our homes, schools, transportation, and everyday life.
Electricity Generation
Explore how electricity is created using simple experiments with potatoes, motors, and generators.
Solar Energy
Learn how sunlight is converted into electricity and how solar energy helps power and cool homes.
Wind Energy
Discover how wind turbines work through exciting KidWind activities and engineering challenges.
Hydropower
See how flowing water and the water cycle generate clean, renewable electricity.
Nuclear Energy
Understand the basics of fission, fusion, and how steam is used to generate electricity.
Geothermal & Tidal Energy
Explore energy from deep within the Earth and the powerful movement of ocean tides.
Biomass & Biofuels
Learn how plants and organic materials can be converted into renewable sources of energy.
Fossil Fuels
Discover how ancient plants and animals became coal, oil, and natural gas over millions of years.
Project & Party
Apply everything you've learned by pitching an innovative energy solution in a fun Shark Tank–style capstone project.
Financial Literacy
Our Finance 101 program offers middle school girls essential knowledge in financial literacy, teaching them practical skills for managing money, understanding investments, and making informed financial decisions. This program aims to build confidence and prepare them for future financial independence.
Dream It, Plan It
Explore creative business ideas like a lemonade stand, lip balm company, restaurant, robotics business, and more.
Where Does the Money Come From?
Learn how borrowing money can help someone start a business and why planning matters.
Smart Choices, Strong Foundations
Make smart business decisions about supplies, logos, hats, glitter, decorations, and other startup needs.
Making a Plan for Your Money
Create and adjust a budget while learning how to manage money when resources are limited.
How Businesses Make Money
Discover how businesses earn money by selling products like lemonade, lip balm, food, robots, and supplies.
Money In, Money Out
Learn how to count sales, track expenses, and understand the flow of money in a business.
Keeping Promises with Money
Understand loans, repayment, and how businesses responsibly pay back money plus interest.
Keeping Money Safe
Learn about bank accounts, saving money, and how money can grow through interest over time.
Using Money to Grow
Explore how businesses reinvest money into supplies, improvements, and future growth.
You’re in Control of Your Money
Review how money moves in real life and the lessons needed to make smart financial decisions.
Robotics
Our Bot Builder program, “Intro to Robotics,” provides middle school girls with an exciting introduction to the world of robotics. Through hands-on activities, students will learn fundamental principles of robot design, construction, and programming, fostering an early interest in engineering and technology.
Recap of Building TacoBot
Review the TacoBot project, get introduced to SPIKE robotics, and learn the basics of the software used to program robots.
Movement and Turning
Learn how to move and turn a robot while exploring the distance sensor and how robots detect their surroundings.
RoboSense Adventure
Explore how force and color sensors help robots interact with and understand the world around them.
Gyro Sensor & Smart Slope Navigator Challenge
Learn how gyro sensors help robots balance, navigate, and complete a challenging slope navigation mission.
Show and Tell
Join a guest session with the Spirent Company team and discover real-world robotics and technology applications.
Road Traffic Challenge
Use distance and color sensors to design solutions for robot navigation and traffic-based challenges.
Intro to Arena & Precision Pathfinder Challenge
Build and program a line-following robot while learning precision movement and navigation skills.
Show and Tell: USA Navigation Challenge
Participate in a robotic race challenge and demonstrate navigation skills through teamwork and problem solving.
Capstone Project Begins
Start designing, building, and programming a robotics project that applies skills learned throughout the course.
Capstone Presentation & Results
Present your robotics project, share your design process, and celebrate your engineering achievements.
With Our Outreach Programs, JerseySTEM works with schools and organizations to create after-school STEM Club programs for middle school girls in low income, underrepresented communities.
JerseySTEM provides the following:
- Grant Funding: We secure funding for the program through grant money from corporate sponsorships and other sources.
- Curriculum: We develop a curriculum suitable for a 10-session program. The curriculum includes instruction and hands-on learning, including all necessary materials
- Program Instructors: We work with local colleges, universities, and member organizations to provide instructors at the program location to teach the instructional content and support students in hands-on learning sessions.
- Coordination: We work with the school and sponsoring organizations to coordinate classroom materials, program instructors, and scheduling to ensure a successful program.
- Community Impact: Our goal is to create an experience that schools and communities will offer year after year. Each program includes funds for an end-of-session celebration where students can showcase their work to families and the community. Materials can also be provided to communicate the value of JerseySTEM to families and students.
Our current schools use the curriculum once per week as part of a 10-week afterschool program.