By Mary Paz Fuentes Castro | Program Assistant
When the idea of creating Niñas Hacia el Espacio was born—a program designed for girls aged 7 to 9 with the goal of sparking their interest in STEAM through dynamic and engaging activities—we never imagined that we would soon achieve our goal of bringing this initiative to every corner of Costa Rica.
The program was created with a clear mission: to address the gender gap in STEAM by offering early empowerment opportunities, especially for girls from socioeconomically vulnerable backgrounds, such as those living in rural and coastal areas of the country. Each edition represents a step toward transforming these inequalities, which stem from early socialization practices that perpetuate the underrepresentation of women in key fields shaping the future.
Today, we are proud to announce that, in just a few days, we will bring Niñas Hacia el Espacio to the province of Puntarenas, a region that faces significant challenges in terms of development and access to educational opportunities, especially for women and girls. Communities in this area grapple with structural inequalities that limit access to essential resources like technology, quality educational infrastructure, and personal development programs. These barriers disproportionately affect girls, restricting their opportunities to explore areas such as science and technology and reducing their ability to reach their full potential.
Since our last update, we successfully carried out a solidarity edition with the valuable support of Lincoln School. This effort consisted of offering the bootcamp at a cost to participating families, which allowed us to raise funds to cover the participation costs for girls in Puntarenas. This collaborative model not only expanded access to the program but also strengthened our commitment to equity. Families who could afford the participation fee for their daughters directly contributed to ensuring that girls from socioeconomically vulnerable conditions also have the opportunity to explore their potential in STEAM and dream of a future full of possibilities.
With this upcoming edition, we are not just completing the logistical goal of reaching the last province on our list—we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a meaningful and sustainable impact. To date, 229 girls have successfully completed the bootcamp, expressing greater interest and confidence in exploring STEAM careers. Each edition not only inspires the girls through experiential learning and play but also instills the confidence they need to overcome the barriers they face. Additionally, we actively involve their families in educational sessions to help them understand the importance of supporting and motivating the girls as they forge a future with more opportunities.
Puntarenas is not just the conclusion of a logistical milestone; it is the gateway to new possibilities. It is a reminder of why we work every day: to plant more seeds of equity, empowerment, and fulfilled dreams in the girls who will become the leaders, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow. We are ready to keep building a future together where all girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential!
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