HOW IT ALL STARTED

THE FOUNDERS

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THE FOUNDERS

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THE FOUNDERS

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THE FOUNDERS • THE FOUNDERS • THE FOUNDERS •

The founding of Girls Empowered by Math and Science at UF began with quite a story. We initially struggled to get in touch with PK Yonge’s administrator via email. Determined, we dashed through the school corridors, hunting down the administrator. To our surprise, we managed to catch them on the spot and set up a meeting right then and there. Our initiative began with 30 local girls in Gainesville at PK Yonge, driven by the passion to inspire young minds in STEM. From these humble beginnings, GEMS has flourished remarkably. We've expanded to two local schools and five schools nationally, reaching 150 elementary-aged girls, supported by over 200 dedicated student volunteers. This journey from a frantic school chase to a nationwide program exemplifies our commitment and the growing impact of GEMS.


  • Founder and President

    One of my favorite memories from GEMS was presenting to the UF College of Education about how to implement STEM into classrooms. This presentation allowed me to share the impact of our summer camp and offer practical strategies for educators to engage students in STEM learning. Both events were pivotal, showcasing the potential of creative STEM education to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. Another standout moment was transforming the initiative into a vibrant summer camp, which provided young students with hands-on STEM experiences and ignited their passion for science and technology.


  • Founder and Vice President

    My most impactful memory of GEMS was the expansion to our second school in Gainesville, Carolyn Beatrice Elementary School. This marked a significant milestone in our journey. This initial success fueled our momentum, leading to rapid growth as we extended our reach to Park City High School and Ponte Vedra High School. Each new branch brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm and commitment to promoting STEM education. Now, we are preparing to launch our newest branch at the University of Georgia this fall. These expansions represent not only the growing impact of GEMS but also the shared dedication of our team to inspire and empower students across different communities.

 Contact us.

  • gemsatuf@gmail.com

  • @gems_uf