STEM Happens Here
Powered by Passionate People, Inspired by Every Girl
Meet the Coordinators Behind Girlstart's North Texas STEM Story
Every year, thousands of girls across North Texas walk into a Girlstart After School classroom curious, but not always sure science is "for them." What changes that isn't a single moment — it's showing up, week after week, thanks to the passionate Campus Coordinators who lead Girlstart's After School program right here in North Texas.
Coordinators like Kaya Jones know exactly what that moment looks like. For eight years, she's brought hands-on STEM — and a love of coding — to girls across North Texas. "Girls who code are game changers," Kaya says. "I hope that every girl leaves Girlstart knowing, 'I can.' Setbacks may come, but I can lean into them, learn from them, and understand that a setback is not a stopping point."
Amy West first worked with Girlstart as a college student in North Texas, then came back to the program in 2025 after years away. "Girlstart is changing the world for girls who might not have access to other programs like this," Amy says. "If even one girl discovers a hidden passion or talent through our programming, then it was all worth it."
This year, Girlstart's After School program is reaching more than 1,200 girls across 64 schools in 20 school districts and 3 states — including right here in North Texas, where coordinators like Kaya and Amy show up for girls every week. Girls are building circuits, programming robots, and asking questions they weren't always sure they were "allowed" to ask. 90% of participants believe doing well in STEM will help them continue their education, and 84% believe their ideas are worth sharing. For many — 62% are eligible for free or reduced lunch — Girlstart After School is their only free STEM enrichment opportunity.
Your North Texas Giving Day gift ensures no girl in North Texas faces barriers to STEM discovery. And thanks to a $2,000 matching gift for North Texas Giving Day, every donation will be doubled for girls who need it most.
The coordinators who show up for girls in North Texas today are shaping the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow. Will you help make sure every girl gets that same chance?
Because somewhere in a North Texas classroom right now, a girl is discovering what she's capable of — and it's because someone showed up for her first.
Girlstart’s mission is to empower girls through STEM. We envision a future where all who identify as girls believe they can change their world through STEM. We are a national women-led organization, offering year-round out-of-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming for girls in grades 4-8 in Texas, California, Massachusetts, and other locations across the country.
Founded in 1997, Girlstart is one of the longest-running programs devoted to empowering girls in STEM. Our comprehensive programs are designed to engage, increase confidence, and introduce STEM careers to girls who have been historically marginalized by providing meaningful, hands-on STEM programming through after school, summer camps, and other community events.
The fall 2026 school semester is underway, and our team is energized for another year of Girlstart After School! Your donation goes toward essentials like STEM supplies and in-depth curriculum journals, equitable pay for our program leaders, and training for our program leaders and school partner Campus Coordinators — along with the many other needs that ensure the implementation, success, and quality of Girlstart After School in North Texas.
Girlstart remains committed to building a community of girls who empower each other to take chances, work toward their goals, and have fun. YOU can make an impact on STEM education for girls!
At Girlstart, we take our role as educators very seriously. We believe that education is a human right. Girlstart always seeks to promote access, equity, and inclusiveness and seeks to discourage discrimination that denies the essential humanity of all people. Our mission is to serve those who identify as girls, who might be discouraged from studying, exploring, or otherwise uninvited to participate in the STEM world. Our programs welcome people who identify as non-binary or gender nonconforming and want to be in a women-identified environment. We are committed to ensuring a safe place for every student as they explore their evolving identities.
Community Engagement Statement:
Beyond our girls’ programs, Girlstart also creates community STEM experiences that welcome families, caregivers, and boys. These events expand the reach of our mission, ensuring that curiosity and encouragement extend beyond the classroom into the broader community.
Organization name
Girlstart
Tax id (EIN)
31-1595414
Causes
Education - Early Childhood
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, Tarrant
BIPOC Leadership
Executive Director/CEO
Address
2351 W Northwest Hwy #3350