Invest in Tomorrow: Empower the Future with PWC Gives 2024

Seeing change happen is great, but using that energy to make real changes is even better. Every little bit helps, no matter how small, and can start something big that makes our community better. On September 19, be part of PWC Gives, a 24-hour online fundraising event led by the well-known Prince William County Community Foundation. As nonprofits team up, we're not just getting money—we're starting something where kindness and teamwork build a better future for everyone. Your help kicks off new chances starting a chain reaction that will lift people for years to come.

Pink Space Theory is excited to join this landmark event once again, intending to transform the future for girls in Prince William County. Our vision is to equip young girls with hands-on STEAM education, giving them the resources and opportunities they need to create bright and successful futures.

By nurturing curiosity and innovation, we aim to shape the future of these girls while strengthening the community with a skilled and diverse workforce.

The G.R.E.A.T. Math Minds Program, Our Flagship Program 

The G.R.E.A.T. Math Minds Program aims to spark interest in STEM among girls working to bridge the gender divide in these key areas. This program fosters the abilities of bright young students helping girls gain confidence in their math skills and giving them chances to develop outside the classroom. It offers practical experience with groundbreaking projects and real-life problems pushing them to discover their full potential. This approach helps them unlock skills that will set them up to succeed in the STEM world and other fields.

G.R.E.A.T. stands for Girls who are Responsible for their thoughts Excited to learn new things, not afraid to Ask questions, and Take risks. Pink Space Theory launched its first G.R.E.A.T Math Minds after-school program at Featherstone Elementary School in December 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.

Since then, we have welcomed two new partner elementary schools bringing the total to 3.  In the previous years, girls from Featherstone, Neabsco and Dale City Elementary Schools have participated in the 3-year cohort program, gaining over 210+ additional hours of math and coding learning. Watch this video (Featherstone | Neabsco) to witness the memorable graduation event, where participants and their families celebrated their achievements.

Contribution of STEM Industries to the Local Economy:

Prince William County's economy has seen significant growth due to investments in STEM industries. In 2020, the county attracted $2.4 billion in capital investments, leading to the creation of 1,531 new jobs, many of which are in STEM fields such as life sciences, biotechnology, IT, and advanced manufacturing​ 

*Source - Beyond PW County

Why must you donate to the fundraiser?

The STEM job market in the county is expected to grow significantly, with projections showing an increase of 2.5 million STEM-related jobs by 2026. This growth highlights the importance of equipping young girls with the skills needed to meet the future demand​. Your gift will allow girls from underserved and underrepresented communities to build important math skills setting them up to drive new ideas and add value to Prince William County's growth.

Besides helping with education, the program opens doors to financial security. Jobs in STEM fields pay about $14,000 more per year than non-STEM jobs, on average. This extra income helps these girls take care of themselves and their families. When you invest in their future, you do more than just help one person succeed—you help build a stronger, richer community for everyone. Your support is crucial to unlock these chances and create a better tomorrow.

*Source -Pink Space Theory

Diversity in the STEM Workforce in Prince William County:

In 2021, women represented only 35% of the STEM workforce, a statistic that reflects the broader national trend. Initiatives like the G.R.E.A.T. Math Minds Program and Make Tech Pink are vital for closing this gender gap by providing early STEM education opportunities to girls, which is crucial for fostering a more diverse and inclusive future workforce​ 

*Source -NFS STEM Workforce Report

Academic Performance and Career Paths of Program Graduates:

Graduates of programs like G.R.E.A.T. Math Minds and Make Tech Pink have shown a strong interest in pursuing further STEM education. Surveys indicate that at least 25% of participants in these programs are inspired to take additional STEM-related classes, setting them on a path toward higher education and STEM careers. 

*Source -​ Pink Space Theory

And, Why Your Contribution Matters  

Giving to PWC Gives 2024 does more than just donate money—it paves the way for a brighter future for all. Your support helps young girls get chances to reach their full potential, which leads to a fairer society and a tighter-knit community. Every gift not only boosts individuals but also makes our shared future richer showing that when we work together, we can bring about big good changes.

How You Can Make a Difference

Join us to create a better future! Donate today at Donation link to help our mission and provide key resources for young girls in our community. Share the campaign on social media using #PWCgives2024 to spread the word and boost our impact. 

Want to volunteer? Contact us at Volunteer link to learn how to get involved. Your support plays a crucial role in bringing real change and opening up long-term chances.

Meet the Fundraising Project Manager

Judy Curry

Pink Space Theory Treasurer