We’ve written on the blog before about how women, and particularly young girls, are truly an untapped resource for the needs of the manufacturing industry.

This is a two-way street, though. Manufacturing needs more women, and could benefit immensely from the brains and creativity of millions of young girls who don’t know that STEM is right for them. On the other hand, it’s not just the manufacturing industry that would benefit. There’s amazing potential for growth for smart, hardworking young women, and the industry has lots to offer in terms of pay, a fulfilling career, and job satisfaction.

There are some cool companies and scholarships working to put a new face on the STEM skills and careers for today’s young women: Here are some of our favorites.

This one is brand new, and an exciting blend of the fashion industry and the tech industry coming together to support young girls. The Flatiron School, an intensive coding school for high school students that trains them in the same technology professional software developers use every day, is partnering with supermodel Karlie Kloss to create the Kode With Karlie Scholarship. The scholarship will give 20 girls across the country free tuition to Flatiron Pre-College Academy’s Introduction to Software Engineering course. Girls ages 13-18 can apply (the deadline is approaching soon, though– applications are due May 1st!)

In the two week course, students will explore concepts in back-end software engineering through Ruby– a powerful, yet accessible programming language used to power apps like Twitter. It’s an amazing opportunity– so, and get that application in, STAT!

Girls Who Code: Another summer opportunity for young girls is the Girls Who Code summer immersion program. It’s a bit longer, with seven weeks of intensive instruction in robotics, web design, and mobile development. This rigorous education is paired with engaging, career-focused mentorship from the industry’s top female entrepreneurs and engineers.

Unfortunately, their 2015 application is closed, but you can apply to stay updated on the program, learn more about Girls Who Code clubs in your city, and stay up to date for next year’s .

Supported by Girls’ Inc and SPIRT grant, UNO hosts a four-week summer camp for girls focused on STEM, physical activity, and well being! Girls will participate in two summer camps with three years of support, and will spend over half their time at camp engaged in inquiry-based STEM activities led by UNO faculty and students. The hope is that the girls will discover a passion for STEM, and go on to work in the field. For more information on the project, email Dr. Angie Hodge at !

Questions? Comments? Want to learn more about any of these opportunities? Leave a comment in the section below, anytime!

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