Columbia Memorial Space Center Expands Girls in Stem Program to Create Chapters Throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Downey, CA, March 21, 2022: The Columbia Memorial Space Center announced a significant sponsorship from Financial Partners Credit Union for their Girls in STEM program. The sponsorship will provide resources and support to expand the Space Center’s existing Girls in STEM club and create chapters throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

A recent study by Girls Who Code, reported that 74% of young girls express an interest in STEM education and careers, however women comprise less than 30% of the STEM workforce.  The American Association of University Women found that girls and women are systematically tracked away from science and math throughout their education, limiting their access, preparation and opportunities to go into these fields as adults.

Launched this month, interested Girls in STEM Chapter Leaders will receive initial Club Starter Kits designed to ignite STEM education including project ideas, discussion topics and a comprehensive guide to launching a new Club. A training for chapter leaders will be held in March at the Space Center, followed by the first Girls in STEM Summit in April, to coincide with Los Angeles’ annual, month-long City of STEM initiative.

“Supporting STEM education for today’s youth is a cornerstone of Financial Partners’ community efforts. We believe STEM offers better career opportunities, strengthening family’s financial health and the communities they live in,” said Nader Moghaddam, President and CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union and Chairman of the Foundation Board at Columbia Memorial Space Center. “Eighty-five years ago, we were founded by the people who eventually led missions that took us to the moon and beyond. We’re thrilled to continue this legacy and spark a love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in girls.”

“We’ve had a waitlist of over 100 girls interested in joining our flagship Girls In STEM club for over two years,” said Benjamin Dickow, Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Learning Center. “Thanks to this sponsorship from Financial Partners, who have been long-time supporters of the Space Center, we can now welcome those who have been waiting and bring STEM activities to girls across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.”

About The Columbia Memorial Space Center

Columbia Memorial Space Center is a space museum and hands-on STEM learning center located just south of downtown LA in Downey, CA, on the former site where all of NASA’s Apollo spacecraft and Space Shuttles were designed and built. The mission of the Space Center is to ignite a community of critical and creative thinkers. The Center includes LA’s only public robotics lab and Southern California’s only Challenger Learning Center, a one-of-a-kind space mission simulator. Through engaging programs, world-class exhibits and unique events, the Space Center strives to be the most accessible STEM opportunity in Southern California.