STEM From Dance

STEM From Dance addresses the systemic underrepresentation of women of color in STEM fields, a problem exacerbated by various root causes that manifest early in their educational journey. Research indicates that by third grade, many girls, especially those from communities of color, begin to lose confidence in their math abilities (Institute on Gender in Media, 2019; Lubienski et al., 2013). This confidence gap, coupled with other factors such as a lack of sense of belonging, limited access to role models, unsupportive environments, and societal stereotypes, perpetuates the cycle of exclusion (AAUW, 2023; Joseph, 2017; Google, 2014). As a result, less than 5% of STEM employees are Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or Latina women, despite comprising 32% of the U.S. population (NSF, 2021).

Moreover, this underrepresentation perpetuates cycles of intergenerational poverty within Black and Brown communities, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities. Access to STEM education and careers not only facilitates economic mobility but also contributes to diversity within teams, a factor proven to catalyze greater innovation (BLS, 2022; Smith, 2022). STEM From Dance is committed to dismantling these systemic barriers and unlocking new opportunities by equipping girls of color with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in STEM fields and beyond, thus advancing toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

STEM From Dance employs a multifaceted approach to address the systemic underrepresentation of women of color in STEM fields. In our programs, participants explore the intersection of STEM and dance through hands-on activities, such as designing LED-lit costumes, creating music through computer science, and synchronizing dance performances with computer-programmed animations. This approach nurtures essential skills for the STEM pathway, including innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, and computational thinking, as well as covering STEM topics such as computer programming, artificial intelligence, and data science. 

Furthermore, culture, creativity, and belonging are central to our approach. Dance holds deep cultural significance within communities of color, serving as a vehicle for expression, celebration, resilience, communication, and learning. Dance also embodies creativity, expression, and inclusivity—values closely aligned with our mission. It fosters imaginative thinking and innovation, empowering participants to approach STEM challenges with confidence and creativity. Additionally, it fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, nurturing a warm, joyful atmosphere that builds sisterhood, fosters connections, lowers doubt, and makes for a STEM environment that is encouraging and inviting. We build girls’ confidence, transforming them into students who are curious, ask questions, take risks in the classroom, and keep going—even when it gets tough—and that confidence translates to STEM and beyond.

Moreover, our programs are interconnected and sequential, supporting participants' journeys through the STEM pipeline from ages 8 to 24. Clubs and Pop-ups serve as entry points, offered either weekly or as one-time events throughout the school year, to ignite interest in STEM on a wide scale. Camps offer immersive experiences daily over three weeks over the summer, deepening participants' STEM skills and sense of belonging through a culminating dance-tech performance. As participants advance into high school and college, our College & Career program provides resources, mentorship, and social capital to navigate STEM fields successfully. Additionally, our online community offers continuous support and collaboration opportunities beyond the classroom, ensuring participants have a consistent network throughout their educational journey.

By targeting girls from a young age and providing continuous support as they advance in their educational paths, STEM From Dance equips them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in STEM fields and beyond. Through our holistic approach, we aim to break down barriers, foster diversity and inclusion in STEM, and empower the next generation of diverse leaders and innovators.

Watch the program in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYzzi1EvwF0

STEM From Dance serves a specific and vital demographic: girls of color, particularly Black and brown girls, hailing predominantly from economically disadvantaged communities. This demographic faces significant obstacles in accessing and thriving in STEM fields, often due to systemic barriers and societal stereotypes. Our program is purposefully designed to directly confront and overcome these challenges by merging the worlds of dance and STEM, leveraging the cultural significance of dance to empower and uplift these girls.

Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique barriers faced by our target population. By integrating dance and STEM, we not only tap into the rich cultural heritage of our girls but also provide them with a supportive environment where they can flourish. Dance serves as a powerful tool to instill confidence, foster community, and cultivate creativity among our participants.

First and foremost, we recognize the cultural importance of dance within communities of color. Dance has long been used as a means of expression, celebration, and communication. By incorporating dance into our program, we meet our girls where they are and demonstrate that they belong in STEM fields. This cultural connection not only enhances their sense of identity but also makes STEM careers more tangible and accessible.

Moreover, dance plays a crucial role in building confidence among our girls. Through dance, they learn to embrace challenges, take risks, and persist in the face of adversity. This newfound confidence extends beyond the dance floor and translates into their academic pursuits, including STEM subjects. By fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, we empower our girls to succeed in all areas of their lives.

Community is another essential aspect of our program. Through dance, our girls form bonds with like-minded peers and supportive adults, creating a network of encouragement and solidarity. This sense of belonging not only boosts their confidence but also provides them with valuable support as they navigate their educational and career paths.

Lastly, our program nurtures creativity by encouraging our girls to explore the intersection of dance and STEM. By merging these two realms, they become creators, envisioning possibilities and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This culture of creativity inspires our girls to pursue their passions and aspire to new heights in both dance and STEM.

In summary, STEM From Dance directly addresses the barriers of inadequate support, low confidence, a sense of not belonging, and limited exposure commonly faced by girls of color in STEM fields. Through our innovative program, we provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive and succeed, ultimately transforming their lives and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM.

STEM From Dance is uniquely positioned to deliver our solution because our team is deeply connected to the communities we serve. Founded and led by Yamilée Toussaint, a woman of color, our organization is rooted in principles of racial, gender, and socio-economic equity. Our core team of 12 full-time members is intentionally diverse, reflecting the neighborhoods, ethnic backgrounds, and lived experiences of our girls.

As an organization comprising entirely of women, with 50% being women of color, our team serves as powerful role models for our participants. We understand the importance of representation and strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone's voice is valued. Our decisions are guided by our organizational core values, strategic plans, and most importantly, input from the girls and their families.

In addition to our internal team, we collaborate with external partners who share our values and experiences. We regularly invite women in tech and dance, particularly women of color and Black women, to inspire and mentor our girls. These external partnerships enrich our programs and provide our participants with access to diverse role models and opportunities.

Furthermore, we prioritize building meaningful relationships with community partners to understand the needs of our girls. Deep partnerships with schools help us recruit participants, track academic outcomes, and adapt our programming based on feedback. By consistently incorporating community voices, we ensure our programs effectively address the needs of our students and empower them to succeed.

Our commitment to listening to our girls is paramount. We actively seek feedback from participants through pre- and post-program surveys, as well as through ongoing communication with caretakers, SFD instructors, and classroom teachers. This feedback loop allows us to continually refine and improve our programming to better meet the needs of our participants.

Moreover, we take a participatory approach to program development by inviting students to participate in design sessions and offer feedback on new ideas. This ensures that our programs are not only designed for our girls but also by our girls, empowering them to shape their own educational experiences.

In summary, STEM From Dance is well-positioned to deliver our solution because our team is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and our programming is guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of our participants. By prioritizing representation, inclusivity, and community engagement, we are able to design and deliver programs that meaningfully impact the lives of our girls and empower them to thrive.

STEM From Dance is at a growth stage, having established our solution in multiple communities and garnered support from leading funders and organizations dedicated to advancing diversity and equity in STEM education. Originating in New York City, our program has expanded to seven cities, serving over 4,000 girls to date.

Our success is evident in the recognition and support we've received from esteemed partners such as the Simons Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, Heckscher Foundation for Children, L'Oreal, Google.org, and Tiger Global Impact Ventures. This support has enabled us to broaden our reach and impact, providing opportunities for more girls to engage with STEM through dance.

Furthermore, our innovative approach has garnered prestigious awards, including MIT Solve's Gender Equity in STEM Challenge, Teach For America's Social Innovation Award, AnitaB.org's Educational Innovation Award, and Falling Walls Foundation Science Engagement Breakthrough of the Year. These accolades affirm the effectiveness of our program in addressing systemic barriers and empowering girls of color to excel in STEM fields.

After 12 years of impactful work, we are thrilled to be in a phase of rapid expansion, aiming to scale our reach and impact significantly. With our growth-based strategic plan, our goal is to invest $10M annually to reach one million women within the next decade.

In order to achieve our ambitious goals, we recognize several barriers that we believe your partnership can help us overcome. These barriers include:

1. Securing large, sustained financial support: As we expand our programs and reach, securing substantial and sustained funding becomes crucial. Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures' expertise in funding and investment can greatly assist us in identifying and accessing the necessary resources to support our growth plans. Your support would enable us to secure the financial backing required to scale our operations effectively.

2. Building national partnerships: We understand that forming strategic partnerships at the national level is essential to expanding our reach and impact. Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures' network of resource partners across industries and sectors can provide valuable connections and introductions. These partnerships would help us establish collaborations with schools, community organizations, and corporate sponsors, enabling us to extend our programs to a wider audience.

3. Evolving our curriculum and training for a trainer-the-trainer model: As we aim to reach more girls and women, it becomes critical to develop a scalable trainer-the-trainer model. However, we acknowledge the need to refine our curriculum and training materials to ensure consistency, effectiveness, and adaptability. Your support in conducting a comprehensive needs assessment and providing learning and development modules would equip us with the necessary guidance and tools to evolve our curriculum successfully.

4. Learning best practices for growth: As we embark on a rapid growth phase, it is essential for us to learn from the experiences of others. We understand that growth can present unique challenges and pitfalls. Through the support program, we hope to gain insights into what strategies and approaches have worked for similar organizations, as well as learn from their mistakes. This knowledge will enable us to make informed decisions and navigate the path to expansion effectively.

5. Equipping the team with the skills and mindsets needed to grow: As an organization, we recognize that our team's capacity and capabilities play a crucial role in achieving our goals. We aim to equip our team members with the necessary skills, mindsets, and leadership capabilities to drive and manage growth successfully. The individual or group leadership coaching offered in the support program would provide valuable guidance and foster personal and professional development.

We believe that MIT Solve has the expertise, resources, and network to help us overcome the specific barriers we face as we strive to scale our impact. We are more than eager to participate in the non-monetary support.

STEM From Dance is truly innovative in its approach to addressing the lack of diversity in STEM education and careers. What sets us apart from other organizations in the STEM diversity, education, and career ecosystems are our unique approaches and focus on serving girls of color.

Combining STEM + Dance

First and foremost, we combine STEM and Dance, integrating the two disciplines to create a powerful learning experience. Our programs go beyond traditional classroom settings by offering inspiring STEM experiences with guest speakers and field trips, all while exploring the intersection of STEM and dance through our innovative curriculum. By combining these two fields, we provide an engaging and holistic approach to STEM education that captures the imagination and creativity of our participants.

Dance!

The inclusion of dance in our programs is key to our success. Dance creates a warm, joyful atmosphere that builds sisterhood, fosters connections, lowers doubt, and makes for a STEM environment that is encouraging and inviting. Girls in our programs work together to choreograph their dances, design and build the technology in their performance, all while connecting with other girls and supportive adults who share their interests.

More Than Coding

Unlike many other STEM programs that primarily focus on coding, we offer more comprehensive and project-based experiences. We believe in putting technology directly into the hands of girls and teaching them to build what they imagine. By incorporating the performing arts into STEM education, we showcase that STEM can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers beyond just coding. This broader approach broadens horizons and exposes girls to the multitude of possibilities within the STEM field.

A Focus on Serving Girls of Color

We understand the significant underrepresentation of girls of color in STEM studies and careers and aim to address this disparity. Our programs take into account the cultures and experiences of girls of color, ensuring that we serve their unique needs. By providing a safe and inclusive space that embraces diversity, we empower girls of color to pursue STEM with confidence and determination.

The impact of STEM From Dance extends beyond our immediate participants. By catalyzing positive change within the STEM education space, we inspire and encourage others to adopt similar innovative approaches. By highlighting the effectiveness of combining STEM and dance, we challenge traditional education models and open the door to new possibilities. Our success story can serve as a powerful catalyst for broader positive impacts, encouraging other organizations to rethink their approaches and embrace inclusivity and creativity in STEM education.

In terms of market change, STEM From Dance has the potential to reshape the landscape of STEM education. Our innovative approach attracts a wider range of participants, particularly girls who may have felt excluded or disinterested in traditional STEM programs. By incorporating dance and the performing arts, we tap into the creative potential of individuals who may have otherwise been overlooked. This expanded reach and engagement can lead to a surge in diverse talent entering the STEM field, resulting in a more inclusive and innovative workforce.

STEM From Dance’s theory of change is in service to help create a world where the STEM workforce is diverse, equitable, and inclusive; where women of color are creative, confident, and equipped to be its leaders and innovators.  

Activities

A pipeline of interconnected and sequential programs that engage girls at key developmental touchpoints from elementary school through college. Programs in NYC are directly managed by SFD staff, while all other programming is indirectly implemented by our partners, with SFD’s oversight. 

• Pop-Ups and Clubs: One-day workshops (6 hours)  and afterschool clubs (12-20 hours), respectively

• Camp: Three-week summer program(90 hours)

• College & Career: College and career support

• Recruitment: Identifying and onboarding community-based partners

• Community building: Hosting an online space for girls to engage prior to, during, and after program participation and community-building activities

• Thought Leadership: Contributing to industry and sector efforts to improve diversity in STEM, including but not limited to conferences, white papers, and summits. 

Outputs

• Number of girls served

• Number of program slots available

• Number of girls engaging in SFD’s online community and community events

• Number of cities

• Number of sites

• Number of partnerships established

• Number of facilitators certified

• Number of conferences attended

• Number of white papers published

• Number of Summits convened

Short-term outcomes

Knowledge-Related

• The percentage of participants that report an improvement in STEM skills

• The percentage of participants that report an increase of knowledge of STEM opportunities

• The percentage of participants that report an improvement in STEM college and career readiness

Behavior-Related

• The percentage of participants that increase their engagement with SFD

• The percentage of participants that increase their engagement with STEM (HS courses, events, competitions, scholarships)

• The percentage of participants that increase their social capital in the STEM field

Attitude-Related

• The percentage of participants that report an increased interest in STEM

• The percentage of participants that report an increased sense of belonging and joy through dance.

• The percentage of participants that report an increased sense of belonging with the SFD community

• The percentage of participants that report an increased sense of belonging in the STEM field

• The percentage of participants that report that they were able to develop a growth mindset related to STEM abilities that persists beyond the program. 

Indirect Delivery-Related:

• The percentage of facilitators reporting an improved self-efficacy in leading SFD programs

• The percentage of facilitators reporting confidence in implementing SFD curriculum as designed

Thought Leadership-Related: 

• The percentage of community partners with an increased awareness of and respect for the SFD approach

• The percentage of community partners with an improved senses of belonging to the SFD community.

Long-term outcomes

• An increase in the percentage of alumni pursuing STEM-related higher education majors and pathways

• An increase in the percentage of alumni graduating with STEM-related higher education degrees or credentials

• An increase in the percentage of alumni pursuing STEM-related jobs

• An increase in field awareness of the value of promoting STEM through the performing arts.

Ultimate impact

• STEM From Dance alumni go on to become innovators and leaders in STEM fields. 

• STEM From Dance alumni increase the representation of Black and Brown women in STEM. 

Our impact goals at STEM From Dance are deeply rooted in creating transformational change in the lives of girls of color, particularly Black and brown girls, by empowering them to excel in STEM fields. Our overarching impact goals include:

1. Increasing girls' confidence and interest in STEM: We aim to boost girls' confidence in their STEM abilities and foster a genuine interest in STEM fields through our integrated dance and STEM programs.

2. Closing the gender and racial gap in STEM participation: We strive to address the systemic underrepresentation of women of color in STEM fields by providing equitable access to high-quality STEM education and opportunities for girls from underserved communities.

3. Fostering a sense of belonging and community: We aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where girls feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue their passions in STEM and dance.

4. Building critical 21st-century skills: We seek to equip girls with essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication that are vital for success in STEM and beyond.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, including:

1. Pre- and post-program surveys: We collect data on participants' self-reported confidence levels, interest in STEM, and sense of belonging before and after participating in our programs to assess changes over time.

2. Participation rates and attendance: We monitor participation rates and attendance at our programs to ensure continued engagement and identify any barriers to participation that need to be addressed.

3. Alumni success stories: We track the post-program achievements of our alumni, including college enrollment, pursuit of STEM degrees, and entry into STEM-related careers, to assess the long-term impact of our programs on their trajectories.

4. Qualitative feedback: We collect feedback from participants, parents, teachers, and community partners through interviews, focus groups, and testimonials to gain insights into the perceived impact of our programs and areas for improvement.

By continuously monitoring these indicators, we can assess the effectiveness of our programs, identify areas for growth, and make data-driven decisions to maximize our impact on girls of color in STEM.

At STEM From Dance, our solution incorporates various technologies to empower girls in STEM and dance education. We leverage technology as a tool to enhance learning experiences and provide creative outlets for self-expression. Here are some of the core technologies that power our solution:

1. DanceOn: Participants learn how to code in DanceOn, a programming interface co-developed with NYU researchers. DanceOn allows participants to create visually interesting and interactive graphics and animations. These animations can be used as background visuals or video effects to add visual expression to the dance performances. By integrating coding and dance, participants gain a unique perspective on combining art and technology.

2. Circuits: Participants learn how to use a microcontroller, sensors, and LEDs to create interactive wearables for their dances. This technology enables participants to incorporate programmable lighting effects into their performances, adding an extra layer of creativity and interactivity to their choreography.

3. Programming: Participants learn how to code in Earsketch, a programming platform specifically designed for music creation. They create and mix music that matches and enhances the theme and mood of their choreography. Earsketch allows participants to explore the intersection of coding and music, enabling them to compose unique soundtracks that align with their artistic vision.

4. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: Participants learn the basics of artificial intelligence and how to teach their choreography to a computer and train it to make sounds and project animations that complement their choreography. This technology allows participants to explore the creative possibilities of AI and machine learning and integrate it into their dance performances, creating dynamic and innovative experiences.

5. Drones: Participants learn how to code drones to move in sync with their choreography. By programming the drones, participants can incorporate aerial elements into their performances, adding a unique and captivating dimension to their dance routines.

By using these technologies, participants develop technical skills, gain exposure to cutting-edge tools, and explore the limitless possibilities of combining technology and creative expression in their performances.

12 full-time staff, 20 part-time staff, and 10 contractors

12 years

Our commitment to racial and gender equity is not treated as a standalone value but is rather deeply ingrained in all aspects of our organization. To us, this means that we value people from all backgrounds and lived experiences, and we strive to cultivate a diverse community of people working together to carry out anti-racist and liberatory practices that uplift girls of color.

We have intentionally built a diverse team that reflects the backgrounds, ethnicities, lived experiences, and passions of the girls we work with. We believe in the power of representation and provide strong, professional role models who share the same neighborhoods and identities as our participants. It is important to note that our core team is entirely composed of women, with 50% of them being women of color. We have set goals for our team to become even more diverse and representative of the communities we serve, and we actively seek to recruit individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

In addition to building a diverse team, we have taken concrete actions to foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging within our organization. These actions include providing ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion training for our staff members, creating safe spaces for open dialogue and reflection, and engaging in continuous learning to challenge and address biases and systemic barriers.

Furthermore, we collaborate with external partners, organizations, and schools that share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By fostering strategic partnerships, we amplify our collective efforts to dismantle barriers and promote equity in STEM and dance education.

We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusivity require continuous effort and active engagement. As an organization, we remain dedicated to ongoing self-reflection, growth, and improvement. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every participant feels valued, empowered, and inspired to pursue their passions and dreams.

By championing diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our leadership team, organizational goals, and day-to-day practices, we aim to create a transformative impact and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

STEM From Dance operates under a comprehensive business model aimed at providing value to the populations we serve. Our primary customers and beneficiaries are the girls of color, specifically Black and brown girls, whom we aim to empower and uplift in STEM fields. Additionally, we serve educators and institutions by equipping them with the tools and training necessary to support girls' STEM development effectively.

Our business model revolves around offering a continuum of year-round programming tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of our target audience. This includes:

1. Pop-Ups and Clubs: We initiate girls' engagement with STEM through shorter, less intensive opportunities such as one-day workshops and afterschool clubs. These introductory programs serve as a catalyst for sparking interest and excitement in STEM and our organization.

2. Camps: Our immersive summer programs provide intensive, three-week experiences designed to deepen girls' engagement with STEM. Through hands-on activities, mentorship, and exposure to STEM professionals, we empower girls to envision themselves as integral members of the STEM community.

3. College & Career Support: Our alumni programming supports high school and college alumni of STEM From Dance, providing ongoing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to help them navigate their pathways to impactful STEM careers.

We deliver these programs directly to girls through in-person and virtual sessions, as well as indirectly by equipping and training educators to implement our curriculum effectively. This multi-faceted approach allows us to reach a wider audience and maximize our impact on girls' STEM development.

Our revenue streams consist of philanthropy from foundations, corporations, and individuals who share our commitment to advancing diversity and equity in STEM. Additionally, we generate earned income through partnerships with institutions that fund our programs and government funding aimed at supporting STEM education initiatives.

By aligning our programs with the needs and aspirations of our beneficiaries and leveraging a diverse range of revenue streams, we ensure the sustainability and scalability of our organization while fulfilling our mission of empowering girls of color in STEM.

STEM From Dance has a comprehensive plan in place to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Our strategy includes a combination of revenue streams that will cover our expected expenses and support the growth and impact of our organization. Here is an overview of our approach:

1. Philanthropy: We will continue actively seeking grants and donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals who are aligned with our mission. By cultivating relationships with philanthropic partners, we aim to secure multi-year funding to support our programs and operational costs. We will focus on diversifying our donor base and establishing long-term partnerships to ensure a steady stream of financial support.

2. Fee-for-Service Programs: We will leverage our expertise and reputation to offer fee-for-service programs and workshops to schools, community organizations, and other institutions. By providing high-quality STEM and dance instruction, tailored curriculum, and mentorship opportunities, we can generate revenue while expanding our reach to a broader audience. This revenue stream not only supports our sustainability but also allows us to serve more communities and extend our impact.

3. Financial Reserves: We will prioritize a reserve fund, aiming to maintain a minimum of nine months of operating expenses. This financial buffer will provide stability and flexibility, enabling us to navigate unforeseen circumstances and fluctuations in funding while remaining focused on our mission and impact goals.

4. Strong Financial Management: STEM From Dance is committed to sound financial management practices. We will implement robust financial controls, budgeting processes, and regular financial reporting to ensure transparency and accountability. In addition, we will strategically invest our savings to generate returns and enhance our long-term financial sustainability, while maintaining a prudent approach to risk management. By responsibly managing our finances, we will optimize resources and strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission and create lasting impact.

To date, our financial sustainability plan has been successful in securing funding and support from a variety of sources, including the Simons Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, Heckscher Foundation for Children, L'Oreal, Google.org, and Tiger Global Impact Ventures.

Overall, our proven track record of securing funding and support from diverse sources demonstrates the effectiveness of our financial sustainability plan and our commitment to ensuring the long-term success and impact of STEM From Dance.