FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2025
STEM Girls jumpstarts careers for the next generation
Cincinnati Museum Center program for grades 3 through 8 helps address gender gap in STEM fields; registration for winter programs opens Sept. 30
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is bringing science to life with an outbreak of raptors, robots and (simulated) pandemic. CMC announced its winter STEM Girls programs, featuring partnerships with RAPTOR Inc., the Cincinnati Observatory and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Registration for the free programs for kids grades 3 through 8 opens September 30.
STEM Girls introduces the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to girls (and boys!) in grades 3 through 8 by connecting them with female professionals in STEM careers. As more careers utilize STEM skills, getting children interested in STEM early is critical for future success, especially for young girls for whom science classes and careers are not often targeted. As recently as 2024, women made up just 28.2% of the global STEM workforce according to the World Economic Forum. Connecting elementary and middle school-aged girls (and boys) with STEM content in an engaging way makes them eager to learn more. Introducing them to women in STEM fields, including zoologists, chemists, computer coders, meteorologists and more, shows them the variety of careers that await.
“Science is filled with the discoveries, inventions and innovations of remarkable women, but the names are still far too few,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “By introducing young women to professionals and mentors in STEM fields they, we’re hoping they will begin to write their own names among that list.”
CMC’s winter STEM programs feature partnerships with RAPTOR Inc., the Cincinnati Observatory and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Each date has a duplicate program tailored for those in grades 3 through 5 and grades 6 through 8.
The Remarkable World of Raptors
with RAPTOR Inc.
October 25
Join RAPTOR Inc. to learn how to identify the extraordinary avian hunters known as raptors, and how you can help them in your everyday life. The program features interactive activies, a chance to see live raptors up close and the answers to your most curious questions about raptors.
Robotics in Space
with the Cincinnati Observatory
November 22
From rockets and satellites to telescopes and rovers, the Cincinnati Observatory will show you how scientists and engineers design tools to study the universe and keep astronauts safe. By coding Ozobots to act like space rovers, you’ll see how robotics, coding and creativity are used in real missions. Plus, try out telescopes and discover how technology here on Earth helps unlock the mysteries of the night sky.
Outbreak Avengers: Stopping Sickness in Its Tracks
with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
December 12
A mystery illness is spreading and it’s up to YOU to stop it! In an action-packed simulation alongside students from UC’s College of Medicine, investigate clues, track down the first case and figure out how to protect the community. Whether you’re solving puzzles, testing prevention strategies or creating your own awareness campaign, you’ll learn how science and teamwork can stop sickness in its tracks.
STEM Girls programs are free but registration is required. View the full program listings and register at cincymuseum.org/stem-girls. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on September 30.
STEM Girls is supported by PPG.
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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized, award-winning institution housed in a National Historic Landmark. CMC is a vital community resource that sparks curiosity, inspiration, epiphany and dialogue. CMC was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2012, one of a select few museums in the nation to receive both honors. Organizations within CMC include the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, The Children’s Museum, Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater, Cincinnati History Library and Archives and the Geier Collections and Research Center. Housed in historic Union Terminal – a National Historic Landmark restored in 2018 and recognized as the nation’s 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects – CMC welcomes more than 1.8 million visits annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the country. For more information, visit cincymuseum.org.
