Top 5 NYC STEM Programs for Girls: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

If you've been looking for STEM programs in New York City that will help you dominate the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, you're in the right place. 

You already know that girls in STEM are a force to be reckoned with—and now it's your turn to tap into opportunities that can sharpen your skills and build your future.

This one's for every high-achieving, ideas-filled student. From youth coding programs to hands-on research projects, NYC offers a wealth of options to prepare you for a career in STEM. 

Curious about which programs rise to the top? We’ve got your back.

Why is STEM Education Important for Girls?

You’ve probably heard it before—women are largely underrepresented in STEM fields. But what does that actually mean? Despite representing nearly half of the U.S. workforce, women make up only 28% of STEM professionals. That gender gap? Aside from being a missed opportunity for women and girls to pursue what they’re most passionate about, it’s also a missed opportunity for development, innovation, and inclusion in industries shaping our future.

STEM education for girls goes beyond teaching equations or designing robots (although that’s certainly part of it). STEM education is also the act of shattering gender stereotypes and paving pathways in science and engineering studies (and beyond). By introducing young women to STEM through immersive programs at an early age, we can kickstart change and help restore that equation.

For ambitious students like you, NYC’s STEM programs represent an open door to a world you can lead. This is your chance to flip the narrative, build a career with impact, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

How Do STEM Programs Benefit Girls?

Joining a STEM program is more than acing a coding challenge or nailing a robotics project. It's an opportunity to grow as an individual, connect with like-minded peers, and discover (or maximize) what you're capable of.

But what else will you gain?

For starters, you’ll develop skills that really matter. Whether it’s coding, critical thinking, or problem-solving, most programs offer training that will set you apart academically—and professionally.

There’s also a great amount of confidence to be gained with action and experience. From learning to design algorithms to tackling real-world experiments, your burgeoning success in STEM will help you feel confident in your abilities, and that’s something that will extend to all other areas of your life as well.

Don’t forget about the career connections. Many programs connect you with mentors—real professionals in STEM—who can help you chart a course for future success.

If you’re ready to venture off the test track, then STEM programs, again, are the right fit for you. These STEM courses offer hands-on challenges—not pop quizzes—so you get to experiment (and problem-solve in real time).

But perhaps the biggest benefit? You become part of a community of bold thinkers. The kind ready to change the world.

Explore These 5 Top NYC STEM Programs for Girls

NYC’s STEM landscape has it all—whether you’re building your bio skills for college or dreaming of creating the next must-have app. Here’s a quick look at some standouts that will have you and your passions thriving.

1. Girls Inc. of New York City

This program offers hands-on STEM programming for middle and high school students. Think coding, robotics, data analytics, and science experiments with real-world applications. 

Girls, Inc. tackles learning with empowerment, equipping you with the tools you need to excel both in STEM fields and as a leader elsewhere across the board. 

Outside of the STEM programs it facilitates for young women in New York, it works with (and for) girls across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to help girls of color as well as those from other underserved backgrounds excel in their fields of choice. 

2. NYU Tandon School of Engineering K-12 STEM Programs

NYU Tandon provides young learners with unparalleled access to university labs, faculty, and resources. There are several programs offered by this prestigious university, including the engaging STEMNow summer workshops and the exclusive Girls in STEM events. 

With these programs, you aren’t just learning from inventors, you’re working side-by-side with both established and future innovators alike. That’s all while benefiting from expert resources provided by one of the world’s best engineering schools. 

3. Girl Scouts of Greater New York STEM Initiatives

The Girl Scouts may be known for their outstanding cookies, but they also offer something truly impressive when it comes to STEM education. These flexible programs and leadership activities provide girls with a fascinating intro into the world of STEM without causing them to feel overwhelmed.

You’ll be able to earn STEAM badges (robotics, anyone), join Lego-building clubs, and so much more, helping you keep the fun vibe alive while you level up academically. Through the Girl Scouts STEM programs, you’ll enjoy staff-led workshops, interactive online content, and so much more, covering topics ranging from cybersecurity to robotics to mechanical engineering and more.

4. GSTEM at Barnard College

Barnard College is another prestigious institution of higher education that offers summer STEM programs for girls. This robust six-week research program is designed for high schoolers who are interested in working directly with mentors on STEM research.
Designed for more advanced learners, GSTEM challenges girls to go all-in on STEM and take their curiosity to the next level. And if you want to earn some research credit before college, this program will help get you there. 

5. Girls Who Code NYC Chapter

Last but not least is Girls Who Code (the NYC Chapter). Despite what the name implies, this program isn’t just about coding, but about creating an environment where collaboration and true sisterhood thrive. 

Here, you’ll enjoy summer immersion programs and even after-school clubs that are intentionally structured to teach girls the art of computer science, teamwork, and innovation. They’re designed for girls as young as third grade and extend long into the senior year, teaching girls how they can use “computer science to change the world.”

How to Describe a STEM Program on a College Application

So you’ve crushed it in your STEM program—now it's time to leverage that experience to elevate your college applications. Here’s how to make every moment count:

Detail Your Growth 

Showcase the skills gained and specific projects you brought to life. Numbers work wonders here—quantify where you can. For instance, “Designed a 15-step app prototype” beats “Worked on an app.”

Make it Personal

Connect the dots. If programming inspired you to pursue robotics engineering, say so. Show how the program fueled your ambitions.

Highlight Leadership

Did you organize part of a big group project? Teach a concept to peers? They’re wins—don’t shy away from sharing them.

Remember, admissions teams aren’t just looking for technical know-how—they want to see how you grow and apply it with purpose, and that’s why it becomes so important to emphasize the leadership skills you’ve gained.

Why Choose Polygence Pods for Your STEM Journey?

Sure, these programs top the NYC charts—but what if you want more control over your STEM exploration? That’s where our team at Polygence really shines. 

With 1-on-1 mentorship and project-based learning, Polygence is all about you (literally). Pick something you’re passionate about—biohacking? AI? Engineering a Mars Rover prototype?—and we'll help you turn it into something real.

With Polygence, your projects are 100% yours—designed by you and guided by experts. They’re also flexible, meaning you can launch your project anytime, from anywhere, all on your own schedule. These projects turn into polished portfolio pieces that you can showcase on your college apps.

And did we mention—our research program mentors are STEM professionals passionate about helping you shine. They’ve been where you’re heading—and their advice can be the turning point you need.

Your Journey in STEM Starts Now

Why wait? NYC offers a world of opportunities for girls who dream big in STEM—and you get to choose your own adventure.

Begin by exploring some of the NYC STEM programs for girls we’ve described above. And if you’re looking to take your skills beyond the classroom and create something that’s entirely your own, we’ll be here for you.

Start your STEM project today with Polygence Pods!