When award-winning chemical engineer Kara Branch, 34, from Houston, Texas, noticed she was often the only Black woman in her classes at Texas A&M University and later in her professional career, she recognized a significant issue. This observation led her to wonder why so few Black women were entering STEM fields despite the projected need for 3.5 million STEM jobs by 2025.

In 2019, Kara founded Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at addressing this disparity. By assembling a team of top STEM professionals and dedicated volunteers, BGDE aims to inspire and prepare a new generation of Black girls for successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

 Kara Branch

 

The Mission of Black Girls Do Engineer

Black Girls Do Engineer is a comprehensive college preparatory program designed to expose high-achieving Black girls to STEM from kindergarten through their college years. BGDE provides these young women with education, representation, mentorship, and resources they might otherwise lack. The program's primary hub is located at Greentown Labs in Downtown Houston, with additional satellite and virtual programs available nationwide.

Remarkable Achievements

Since its inception, Black Girls Do Engineer has made a significant impact:

- **4,000 girls and college students served**

- **$44,000 in college scholarships awarded to BGDE members**

- **250 STEM workshops and training sessions hosted since 2019**

- **60% of participants come from underrepresented communities**

Kara Branch's Vision

"It's clear that representation matters. By seeing someone who looks like them in the STEM fields, these young girls gain the confidence to pursue their dreams," says Kara Branch. "We are committed to creating a pipeline of talented Black women engineers and scientists who will lead future innovations."

Get Involved

To learn more about Black Girls Do Engineer, or to support their mission, visit [blackgirlsdoengineer.org](https://blackgirlsdoengineer.org). Together, we can ensure more Black girls enter and thrive in STEM fields, shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Why This Matters

Encouraging more Black women to enter STEM is not just about filling job vacancies; it's about fostering diversity, innovation, and equality in industries that shape our world. By supporting programs like BGDE, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of young Black women and the STEM fields they will one day lead.

Join the movement and be a part of this transformative journey today.