At Girls Inc., the work we do to support girls across the network is made possible because of the commitment and partnership of companies like Cox Enterprises, a national supporter of STEM programming. Amidst the many pivots our affiliates have had to make throughout the last two years, Cox has been by our side, always ensuring that girls are getting the most meaningful experiences possible. Two of the many affiliates supported by Cox are Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta and Girls. Inc of Long Island.

Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta engaged 45 girls in their STEM Club last year, with support from Cox. STEM Club gives girls the opportunity to explore everything from coding to robotics at no cost to their families. Last spring, girls built their own drones over the course of several virtual sessions. Many parents and siblings jumped in to assist, making drone-building an opportunity for family bonding. In May, girls proudly showed off their drones at a STEM showcase event!

A STEM Club participant at Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta shows off the drone she built

Cox also supports Girls Inc. of Long Island in a variety of ways, including fulfilling a wish list of STEM supplies that were sent to girls when programming pivoted to virtual at the start of the pandemic. These supplies kept girls engaged in learning and exploring during a tumultuous time. Additionally, Cox has been Girls Inc. of Long Island’s media sponsor for their annual luncheon for the past two years, featuring Girls Inc. on local radio stations and participating on the luncheon’s planning committee. Renee Daniel Flagler, executive director, says that Cox employees “are consistently reaching out, asking ‘What can we do now?’”

Girls Inc of Long Island’s 2021 Luncheon

We know that there is unequal access to math and science courses, and girls of color are particularly affected. Girls Inc. STEM programming is designed to help girls learn to embrace their intellectual curiosity and trust their own judgment. By working with partners like Cox, girls get to see themselves reflected in diverse STEM professionals and are encouraged to pursue STEM education and careers. Cox shares our goal of creating a diverse, equitable STEM industry where women thrive. Tiffany Collie-Bailey, executive director of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta says it best: “We couldn’t do what we do without having a team like Cox behind us with full-circle support.”

“Cox believes STEM education fosters ingenuity, inspires creativity, and enhances critical thinking,” said Maury Wolfe, assistant vice president of corporate responsibility at Cox Enterprises. “By providing girls with these critical skills, we are able to give them the tools and confidence they need to discover their inner strength to pursue and achieve their dreams.”

The support of Cox is critical to ensuring girls have the opportunities and skills to pursue their interests and passions, and that they are prepared to lead change in their communities. Girls Inc. girls are more likely to show affinity and curiosity for STEM subjects, have self-confidence in reading and STEM, and see themselves in STEM careers in the future. They are also more prepared for life after high school–whether their goals include college or work. We are grateful to our partners at Cox for making these outcomes possible.