In education, we often talk about access. But how often do we build something that specifically invites those usually regulated to the sidelines or overshadowed by their peers?
Several years ago, I launched a STEM GEMS club at my Title I campus. It’s an all-girls STEM club that focuses on no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech activities. What began as a simple idea quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my work as a librarian. STEM GEMS gave students a place to explore, build, and belong; it became a space where girls could be curious, take risks, and find joy in learning new things.
The best part? You don’t have to be a STEM expert or have a big budget to start one if you are interested in building something similar.
Why STEM GEMS?
Girls need safe, supportive spaces where they feel comfortable trying something new. Too often, I saw them hang back during maker challenges or hesitate in coding activities. I wanted to change that, especially as I, myself, was interested in a computer science career in my early days. STEM GEMS started as a way to shift the narrative and encourage girls to see themselves as creators, engineers, designers, and problem-solvers.
What sets this club apart is its accessibility. We intentionally mix no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech challenges so that all students can participate regardless of prior experience. One week, we might explore chemistry by creating chromatography t-shirts. Next, we’re using Tinkercad to design 3D-printed prosthetics for stuffed animals. We also invite local subject-matter experts to speak to the girls candidly about the challenges and triumphs awaiting them. The variety keeps the girls engaged and builds confidence in every kind of learner.
How to Get Started
The first step is identifying the need on your campus. If you notice that girls aren’t raising their hands during STEM lessons or avoiding the robotics table, you already have your reason to start. From there, recruit a small group of students who might benefit from a more personal approach to STEM. Even if they’re shy or unsure, invite them anyway. Sometimes all it takes is one trusted adult saying, “I think you’d be great at this.” At my school, we had a formal application process that included parental permission, as we had more interest than available spots. Priority was given to those who were about to graduate.
You don’t need a formal curriculum to get started. I pulled ideas from Purdue University’s GEMS handbook and added my own mix of lessons and challenges. We met bi-weekly after school, and I kept the tone casual and fun. The goal was not to teach a rigid series of lessons but to create a space where girls could explore STEM at their own pace.
The first meeting matters. Set the tone with music, simple snacks, and hands-on materials ready to go. Together, create a list of what STEM GEMS are/do so that everyone has the same expectations from day one. Let them know this is a space designed for them. As the club grows, adjust your activities based on student interests and feedback. Some of our most memorable sessions came from student suggestions, like Easter stations (slime-making, crystal creating, catapulting fun!) and light circuits.
Funding the Fun
Don’t let lack of funding stop you. Some of our materials came from household donations, Dollar Tree finds, and community support. I’ve used DonorsChoose to fund more tech-based activities and partnered with local organizations and universities for speakers and giveaways. Facebook mom groups are surprisingly generous, especially when you explain what you’re building. And your campus or district might already have discretionary funds you can tap into—just make sure to show the impact and need.
Projects That Made a Difference
Our club’s success came from keeping things creative, collaborative, and student-centered. A few standout projects included:
- Creating prosthetic limbs for stuffed animals using Tinkercad and our 3D printer, after learning about real-life animal prosthetics.
- Building bird nests from natural and human-made materials, then testing their durability with a real “hurricane.”
- Participating in a “Hidden Build” LEGO challenge, where one student gave verbal instructions and the other built blindly—a fun way to practice communication and critical thinking.
- Making fizzy, heart-shaped art on Valentine’s Day while learning the science behind chemical reactions.
- We’ve also hosted guest speakers, including a local jewelry businesswoman, woman firefighter, and NASA specialist; taken actual and virtual field trips to places like NASA and Amazon; and even created badge systems to recognize skills and growth.
The Heart of It All
You will find that STEM GEMS is more than a club; It’s a safe haven where girls learn that they can fail and try again, that their ideas matter, and that STEM is not out of reach. You don’t need to be a robotics expert or a science teacher to lead one. You just need to be willing to say yes, start small, and let your students help shape what comes next.
If you’re ready to begin, I’d love to share what I’ve learned. You can find me online at @openbookamanda (Instagram) or visit our project site here: STEM GEMS Google Site.