Closing the Gap: Efforts to Increase Girls’ Participation in STEM Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on education, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). According to a recent study, the pandemic has widened the gap between boys and girls in STEM classes, with girls losing ground in math test scores over the past decade. In an effort to close this gap, schools are implementing new initiatives to engage girls in STEM education and promote their participation in these fields.
At de Zavala Middle School in Irving, Texas, a new STEM program is underway, which aims to build curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving skills across subjects. The program is part of a broader push to increase girls’ participation in STEM education, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications. As part of this program, students are using LEGO Education kits to learn about kinetic energy and genetics, with girls making up half of the sixth-grade class. Students work on a project during a LEGO Education science lesson at Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Ronaldo Bolaños)
The Pandemic’s Impact on Girls’ STEM Education
The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on girls’ STEM education, with many schools struggling to maintain programs and initiatives aimed at promoting girls’ participation in these fields. According to Michelle Stie, vice president at the National Math and Science Initiative, “When society is disrupted, you fall back into bad patterns.” This has resulted in a widening of the gap between boys and girls in STEM classes, with girls losing ground in math test scores over the past decade. 
Students work on a project during a LEGO Education science lesson at Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Ronaldo Bolaños)
Initiatives to Boost Girls’ Confidence in STEM
In an effort to close the gap, schools are implementing new initiatives to boost girls’ confidence in STEM education. These initiatives include hands-on learning programs, mentorship opportunities, and extracurricular activities that promote girls’ participation in STEM fields. At de Zavala Middle School, the STEM program is part of a broader push to increase girls’ participation in STEM education, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications. 
Analyssa Ramirez works on a project during a LEGO Education science lesson at Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Ronaldo Bolaños)
These initiatives are crucial in promoting girls’ participation in STEM education and closing the gap between boys and girls in these fields. By providing hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and extracurricular activities, schools can help build girls’ confidence and interest in STEM subjects. For more information, visit Here
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