COLLABORATION AS A MEANS TO BUILDING CAPACITY: RESULTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL GIRLS COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

Abstract

The purpose of the National Girls Collaborative Project is to extend the capacity, impact, and sustainability of existing and evolving girl-serving STEM projects and programs. This paper describes the underpinnings and design of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) and posits that the structured collaboration framework this organization foments may be a necessary component for our field to move beyond our current levels of representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Initial results from the projects are described and related to nationwide efforts to increase women in STEM.