FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2021

Pink Space Theory receives $5,000 STEM Action Grant from Society for Science to spark a STEM+ART curiosity and interest in disadvantaged youth, especially girls.

Woodbridge, Virginia - Pink Space Theory, a STEM-inspired nonprofit organization, received a $5,000 grant from the Society for Science—a national nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education and scientific research. The STEM Action Grant program bolsters and improves outcomes for groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM education and careers, including Black and Latinx individuals, women and gender-expansive persons, the hearing and visually impaired, and low-income students.

Pink Space Theory energizes students through problem-based hands-on activities that stimulate critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in the Washington DC Metro area. Since 2018, Pink Space Theory’s grassroots initiative has attracted volunteers from Canada, Greece, Fiji, and Italy. Our volunteer-run organization has successfully offered quality STEAM programs to 700+ students and their families. 

Girl Power is one of our signature program series consisting of STEAM-focused workshops that strengthen girls' 21st-century skills, build STEAM knowledge, and increase STEAM skills. Each series includes activities that improve self-esteem, build confidence, and promote positive self-perception. The Girl Power Series teaches computer coding, design thinking, environmental, and engineering design. The goal of the workshops is to create a STEAM pipeline beginning from elementary up through high school. It creates a space where girls feel free to grow and learn through problem-solving, creativity, and inquiry.

Pink Space Theory was one of 38 groups to receive $165,000 in microgrant funding through the Society’s STEM Action Grant program. A full list of this year’s grantees can be viewed here.  Since 2016, (including this announcement), the program has given $410,000 total to 64 organizations.

“I am excited to have the support from Society for Science,” said Monica Nichols, founder and president of Pink Space Theory. “As an African American female engineer, I want to do my part to provide youth, especially girls, with learning opportunities to engage, expose, and empower them to explore the wonderful world of STEAM to help close the STEM gender and race equity gaps.” 

Pink Space Theory is a mobile STEAM-based makerspace located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The organization is dedicated to creating spaces for the love of learning by providing meaningful student-centered educational programs that allow students to create, invent, tinker, explore and solve real-world challenges. Learn more at http://www.pinkspacetheory.org/.