Tuesday, May 21st
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Auraria Campus in Denver
1255 10th Street Plaza 

By: Betsy Gillard, Volunteer Coordinator for GESTEM

Imagine wandering the halls of a college campus filled with, instead of the usual college students, over 1,000 excited 7th-grade girls participating in hands-on STEM workshops. These students are encouraged to hone their problem-solving abilities through innovation and teamwork, all in an atmosphere of fun and inclusion. Volunteers from companies in all facets of STEM come to teach and talk with the girls about the many opportunities and career paths that can be theirs someday.

Every year for the past 15 years, the free GESTEM event (Girls Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) makes this image a reality. GESTEM was created because we know that even today, girls face gender biases and stereotypes that can steer them away from careers or interest in STEM fields. STEM careers can be shrouded in mystery and feel out of reach for students, especially young women, that may not have exposure to them at school or at home. GESTEM invites students from all over the Denver Metro area, with a strategic focus on schools with underfunded STEM programs and more diverse populations, to participate in a day of hands-on learning.
GESTEM relies completely on support from volunteers and corporate partners in order to make this event 100% free for those that attend. We are still in need of guides, day of-runners, and donations! You can find more information about the event and how to donate or sponsor on our website.

Register to be a guide here
As a guide, you will lead a group of 8-10 girls to three different fun and hands-on STEM workshops put on by local companies. You’ll have an opportunity to share your experience in STEM fields and talk to the students about their impressions of STEM and areas of interest.
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“To me, it’s obvious that girls should be scientists and engineers. As a GESTEM guide, I got to watch it become obvious to them. It filled my heart with warmth to watch the girls get a little nerdier. Being a guide was easy and fun, and I really enjoyed spending time with kids, which isn’t something I do in my current job”.

• Kelsey Johnson, Marketing Manager, Smith.ai