Bridge STEAM program
Girls in STEAM Academy, a non-profit initiative under Be an Ally Foundation
Theme: Promoting skills and development
Phase and Stage: STEM – Secondary education
Action: Training / mentoring
Beneficiaries: Girls only; Schools; Private companies; Public institutions
Users: Policy makers; Private companies
BridgeSTEAM, is a free, two-day intensive learning experience designed for girls aged 14–16. The program focuses on building strong foundational skills in coding while embedding discussions around gender equality, global challenges, and personal development. At the end of the program, participants build their own personalised website from scratch, with no prior knowledge needed. Beyond technical skills, the program offers hands-on exercises tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a gender equality workshop and discussion, and career counselling sessions that help participants envision a future in STEAM. A key feature is the inclusion of female role models from STEAM fields, who share personal stories and offer mentorship, breaking down stereotypes and inspiring confidence. Our key objective is to address the gender gap by offering free, high-quality programs focused on coding (HTML, CSS) confidence building, and career awareness.
BridgeSTEAM gives priority to girls from rural areas and those facing socioeconomic difficulties, ensuring that the digital transition leaves no one behind. So far, over 250 girls have graduated from the BridgeSTEAM programs, including Ukrainian refugee girls as well as Turkish Cypriot girls, forming part of our alumnae network, which we continue to support through year-round opportunities, including the job shadowing program, participation in public events, and the chance to host an episode of our “SheSpeaks” podcast, where they practice their public speaking skills and offer their perspectives as potential young women in STEAM.
THE CHALLENGE
The main challenge stems from a persistent challenge across Europe: the underrepresentation of women in ICT careers. The digital economy grows rapidly, but only a fraction of ICT professionals are women. This disparity is not only a social equity issue but also a missed economic opportunity. Gender stereotypes, lack of visibility for women role models, and limited access to engaging and relatable learning experiences continue to discourage girls from choosing ICT-related paths early on. Thus, the BridgeSTEAM program empowers girls aged 14-16 with digital and coding skills, mentorship, and real-world inspiration to pursue ICT careers. Through hands-on programs and role models, it breaks gender stereotypes and builds confidence in the tech world.
OUR SOLUTION
The BridgeSTEAM programs are designed to inspire and empower girls aged 14-16 to explore career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) through experiential learning and exposure to real-world role models. Our approach is learner-centered, inclusive and gender-responsive, ensuring that participants feel encouraged to engage, ask questions and envision themselves in fields where women remain underrepresented. The methodology combines hands-on learning through practical workshops and activities, career guidance and mentoring that equip participants with tools and resources to better understand STEAM pathways, and the active involvement of women professionals who share their personal and professional journeys, breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation. The program also fosters interactive and collaborative learning through group work, peer discussions and reflection exercises, creating a safe and supportive space for growth, while pre- and post-program evaluations capture shifts in perceptions, confidence and knowledge to inform future improvements.
OUTCOMES
Since 2021, Girls in STEAM Academy has implemented a total of 18 BridgeSTEAM programs in 3 different cities in Cyprus, with the participation of more than 250 young girls and women.
In 2024, we trained 51 girls through 3 BridgeSTEAM programs, with 21+ hours of hands-on coding resulting in the creation of 51 personalised websites. (Data from our Impact & Progress report, available every January of each year with data from the previous year. The Impact & Progress Report for 2025 will be available early 2026).
We prioritise girls from rural and underserved communities. Our alumnae network now includes over 250 members, many of whom are now university students who continue to benefit from opportunities such as job shadowing (12 placements in 2024), podcast hosting, and international programs.
Over 93% of our participants reported increased interest in STEAM careers, and 89% noted improved self-confidence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lesson 1: Having women role models in STEAM present during the program inspires participants in ways that theory alone cannot. Hearing real stories (including their failures, not only their successes) from women who look like them and share similar backgrounds helps girls visualize themselves in these careers. We have testimonials of girls who decided to proceed with university studies in the STEAM fields after coming in contact with women role models during our programs.
Lesson 2: Interactive, practical workshops (e.g., coding) increase participants’ confidence and make STEAM fields feel more accessible compared to traditional, lecture-based learning. It also helps break the stereotype around what it means to be a programmer and who is it for.
Lesson 3: Early exposure is crucial. Introducing girls to STEAM fields at ages 14-16 is very important. At this stage, they are forming their academic interests and career aspirations, so exposure to these fields can influence their future choices.
Lesson 4: Breaking stereotypes requires an inclusive and safe environment. Many girls enter the program with preconceived ideas about what “tech” or “engineering” looks like – often male-dominated images. When they are in a supportive, inclusive environment, these stereotypes can be challenged and reshaped.
Lesson 5: Strong collaboration with schools and educators helps identify motivated students, ensures smoother communication with parents, and allows for better program integration into the students’ learning journey.
Lesson 6: Feedback from parents often reveals how much the program influences participants. Girls return home excited and inspired. Engaging parents early can increase program support and sustainability.
Lesson 7: Peer learning increases girls’ motivation. Working in teams with other girls interested in STEAM creates a sense of belonging and community, helping participants feel less isolated in their interests.
Lesson 8: Measuring impact. Pre- and post-program evaluations help track the impact on participants’ confidence, knowledge, and aspirations. These insights guide program adjustments and make the initiative stronger over time.
