STEAAM Innovation Hub for Girls
In Philadelphia, a city marked by stark socioeconomic disparities, low-income girls often face significant barriers to accessing quality education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the arts. These barriers range from limited resources and opportunities in their schools and communities to a lack of role models and mentors in these fields.
As a result, there's a vast untapped potential among these young women, who might otherwise contribute significantly to the fields of science, technology, and the arts. STEAAM – a program specifically tailored to address these challenges – emerges as a vital solution.
By providing dedicated resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in STEM and the arts, STEAAM aims to level the playing field. It not only opens doors to educational and career opportunities for girls but also cultivates a diverse and inclusive future workforce, enriched by the unique perspectives and talents of young women from varied backgrounds. This program is not just an investment in individual futures; it's a strategic step towards fostering a more equitable and innovative society.
Student Spotlight: Dinara's Journey with STEAAM
One of the most powerful testimonials about the impact of our STEAAM program comes from Dinara, a student who has been actively engaged in Thrive Philly from 9th through 12th grade. Over four years of consistent participation, Dinara has grown into a confident, tech-savvy, and purpose-driven leader — and is now a finalist for the prestigious Gates Scholarship.
In her own words, Dinara explains how Thrive Philly helped her build confidence, develop leadership skills, and access tools and opportunities she never imagined — including receiving her first passport, learning business and tech skills, and being supported by mentors who saw and nurtured her potential.
"This program helped me find my voice, and realize I can do things that felt impossible before. Thrive Philly believed in me, and now I believe in myself."
— Dinara, STEAAM participant
🎥 Watch Dinara’s story here:
Watch on YouTubeHer story represents the long-term impact Thrive Philly aims to have — equipping young women with mentorship, access, and real-world skills to lead boldly and pursue competitive academic and career paths.
Tracking the Impact of STEAAM
Thrive Philly uses a comprehensive, data-informed approach to track the impact of its STEAAM program. We conduct pre- and post-program assessments aligned with key learning objectives to measure gains in science, math, technology, and entrepreneurship. We also collect academic grades at the start and end of the program to track individual growth, aiming for a 10–15% improvement on average.
Additionally, we administer engagement and satisfaction surveys to evaluate students' confidence, sense of belonging, and interest in STEAAM-related fields. We track attendance, project completion, and participation in key workshops to ensure active engagement throughout the program. This blend of academic, behavioral, and self-reported data provides a clear and actionable picture of program effectiveness and opportunities for growth.
Based on our data from 2024:
Students also completed final passion projects, received MacBook Air laptops, and participated in both local and global exposure experiences, including receiving first-time passport stipends. Through mentorship, skill-building, and consistent support, Thrive Philly empowered youth to explore their potential and take meaningful steps toward academic and personal success.
Explore Our Student Impact Survey
We use a student survey rooted in validated frameworks like growth mindset, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging to measure impact. This tool helps us identify student progress and adapt programming in real time.
If you're interested in receiving a downloadable version or partnering to measure impact in your program, reach out to us!
Areas of Focus
Digital Literacy
Closing the digital literacy gap for urban youth by providing 1:1 MacBook computers, software packages, and specialized training to equip students with 21st-century skills.
STEM + Humanities
Bridging the gender gap in STEM by offering inclusive, interdisciplinary programs for underserved girls in Philadelphia. Students who maintain a C+ or higher receive a stipend for passport costs. Those with a B+ or higher qualify for a spring study abroad trip.
Well-Being
Fostering leadership and well-being strategies through yoga, meditation, and coping exercises. Every student receives $400 for back-to-school supplies and transportation assistance to and from the program.