By Dr. Patrice S. Johnson
Remember, in Beyonce's song 'Get Me Bodied,' she calls all of us to walk across the room like Naomi Campbell. It is as if Beyonce doesn't have a fierce walk herself. But Naomi, head high, shoulders back, long strides, as if a drum was woven together to create the sounds in which her feet would hit the pavement. Her walk exudes confidence. It's the same walk your 5- or 6-year-old self practiced in the mirror; perhaps you did a twirl or blew a kiss at the crowd before you pivoted, glanced over your shoulder, and walked fiercely, boldly back down your imaginary runway. This is the kind of confidence—sparked by a runway of joy—we want all girls to have. Today, empowering them with an unbreakable sense of self is more important than ever. At Project Scientist – this summer we intend to do just that and more. We are hosting six camps across the country and serving over 500 students who are boldly engaging in a rigorous exploration of fashion, science, and sustainability. STEM education gives girls the opportunity to build confidence and unlock their inherent genius. Our girls have now lived in a world where they’ve been told a woman can try and even be the better choice but still not be elected President of the United States. I’m concerned that we are living in a world where girls think to be safe, they have to stay in a little box. What I’ve found, however, is that curating STEM experiences that inspire a girl to be creative, think outside that box, and recognize that she can do hard things also sparks confidence. Just as Beyonce and Naomi command attention with their rhythm and presence, STEM education empowers girls to stride confidently and boldly into fields where they have historically been overlooked. STEM education is a grounding point for empowering girls to build their own runways.
Confidence is critical in classrooms and for those starting their professional journeys. The New York Times recently confirmed that students in the United States have fallen behind the world in math and science by reviewing data from the International Mathematics and Science Study. Since 2019, U.S. students in the fourth and eighth grades declined by 18 and 27 points in math, respectively (Goldstein, 2024). The startling gap highlights how educational disparities and lack of resources affect the most vulnerable—especially girls who face additional societal pressures. For me, centering girls in STEM isn't just about education—it's about being bold in addressing economic justice and gender equity. We are in a movement to spark girls' participation in a field where they are underrepresented, but we are also hoping for a revolution of kick-ass girl disruptors and innovators. Beyond my vision, there is an urgent need for the world, particularly the United States, to improve math and science; our survival depends on it. The data continues to show that it's not a lack of interest or ability holding girls back—it’s confidence. Our society still tells girls what they can't do, impacting their aspirations. But what we’re noticing is that girls across the country have multiple interests. For example, 28% of young women aspire to a STEM career (National Girls Collaborative Project), yet women earn only 24% of degrees in engineering, computer science, or physics. Systemic barriers continue to prevent women and girls from thriving and leading in this industry. We must ensure that every girl is endowed with the confidence she needs to unlock her inner genius.
In a survey conducted by Project Scientist, we explored not only STEM interests but also critical consciousness and the increasing desire among girls to lead. When we asked girls ages 10-14, "Can you be a helper?" one respondent replied, "I mind my business and stay safe." Her words broke my heart. This response, from a student in our Fall 2024 cohort, reveals the fear many girls feel—that stepping out of bounds could put them in danger. James Baldwin, in The Fire Next Time, described how society often expects the disenfranchised to accept mediocrity and discourages them from aspiring to excellence. This fear, echoed in the student's words, reflects the societal barriers that prevent girls from fully realizing their potential. The fear of challenging the status quo and the risks it entails makes me think of the many messages young girls must be bombarded with—or, more concretely, the reality that the rights of this generation of women and girls are less than those of generations past. STEM education catalyzes justice and equity because it allows girls to do hard things and cultivate a belief in themselves. It encourages them to imagine a different world and be curious about what it can be. STEAM experiences empower girls to think about the process of science, embrace the ability to fail forward, and try again if something doesn’t work. This cultivates a sense of fearlessness.
The method to spark confidence in a generation of girls is to pair them with mentors who look like them. Let them see all shades of women in lab coats and boardrooms. What champions in STEM education do—at least what I’ve seen my team and I do—is curate a joy-filled, girl-centered STEM ecosystem with hands-on experiments connected to real-world problems that jolt our students' curiosity about science and justice. The method to create this type of atmosphere, one where joy is a runway for all girls, is to unite them with women who look like them and have defeated the odds.
This is simple. We need girls to lead in STEM and beyond. We need girls to become disruptors and innovators—and a woman president. I'm not done dreaming about this type of world. My solution is to curate experiences where girls develop the confidence to not settle, dream big, explore to escape, know when to say yes or no, and lead—perhaps, lead the nation.
Overview of the Article
This op-ed explores how STEM education serves as a modern-day runway for young girls, empowering them to cultivate confidence, challenge societal norms, and unlock their inherent genius. Drawing parallels between cultural icons like Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell, the piece argues that STEM is not just about education—it’s a catalyst for justice, equity, and leadership. The article highlights the barriers girls face, such as a lack of confidence and systemic inequities, and offers actionable solutions like mentorship and hands-on experiences to spark a generation of fearless disruptors and innovators.
Short Bio
Dr. Patrice S. Johnson is an educator, visionary leader, and advocate for racial, gender, and educational equity. As President and CEO of Project Scientist, she empowers girls to become disruptors and innovators in STEM fields. With a pioneering career that spans politics, education, and community building, Dr. Johnson has impacted over 20,000 students through her transformative programs. A trailblazer herself, she is the first woman of color to earn a Doctorate of Education from Cornerstone University and a lifelong champion for creating resilient, inclusive communities.
