STEM Girls program connects present and future scientists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org

Future scientists meet their mentors during STEM Girls

Cincinnati Museum Center program for grades 3 through 8 helps address gender gap in STEM fields; registration for spring programs now open

CINCINNATI – Present and future scientists will be working together this spring to tackle civil engineering, explore the science of scents and predict the weather in Cincinnati Museum Center’s (CMC) STEM Girls program. The free program introduces the world of STEM to girls (and boys!) in grades 3 through 8 by connecting them with female professionals in STEM careers. Registration for STEM Girls’ spring sessions is open now. 

As more careers utilize STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) 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.

CMC’s spring STEM Girls programs feature partnerships with Osborn Engineering, Za Za Scents and WLWT’s meteorology team. Most dates have a duplicate program tailored for those in grades 3 through 5 and grades 6 through 8.

Civil Engineering featuring Mary McConnell, PE
with Osborn Engineering
February 21
Join Osborn Engineering’s Mary McConnell, PE, Director of Civil Engineering for the Ohio Valley, to discuss geotechnical engineering, foundation design and site utilities. Learn how Cincinnati’s unique geology and soil impact building foundations and design your own pipe network to bring water, gas, electricity and Wi-Fi to Cincinnati Museum Center.

Scent Science featuring Alexis Wintrob*
with Za Za Scents
March 14
Discover the science of scent as you create your own signature scent and a mini “Scent World” inspired by it. The hands-on program is a playful mix of STEM, creativity and storytelling.
*For grades 3 through 5 only.

Meteorology featuring Allison Rogers
with WLWT
April 11
Discover how meteorologists predict the unpredictable. Learn the basics of weather prediction and forecast modeling and how to communicate that information to keep people safe during bad weather. You’ll even get to broadcast your own forecast!

STEM Girls programs are free but registration is required. View the full program listings and register at cincymuseum.org/stem-girls.

STEM Girls is supported by PPG.