"Dirt Girls" Can Close the Gender Gap in STEM

Dear Dirt Girl Supporter, 

Just last week, I received a text message from a parent of a former Dirt Girl. She sent me a photo of her daughter and me from four years ago with this request: "We would like to get involved in a gardening project."

Stories like this one, or like Danica (pictured above) are increasingly common as the weather forces us indoors, but COVID-19 keeps us distant. 

Danica recently turned twelve and started middle school in front of a computer screen. Back in August, her image of determination was one of 100 finalists in the GlobalGiving Photo Contest. People everywhere are longing for greater connection–to each other, to nature, and to the world at large.

Outdoor STEM programs provide these connections. For four years, Dirt Girls provided a space for Danica and dozens of young women to safely engage in scientific thinking. We need even more spaces where youth can thrive, where their vioices are heard, where their ideas matter. 

These were the themes that resonated with me when delivering the presentation "All the Dirt for Engaging Girls Outdoors" at the 49th Annual Conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education, which over 1500 people from across the continent attended last month. 

In the coming weeks, I hope that donors like you will consider making a lasting investment in outdoor STEM education, specially programs that support gender equity and empowerment, like the Dirt Girls. 

With that, I invite you to make a contribution that will help us reach our project goal of $10,000! There are three ways you can help: 

• renew your generous donation from last fall (September of 2019)
• consider a recurring or monthly donation (any amount couts!)
• purchase gift cards to distribute for the holiday season (include a note about why you support Dirt Girls on GlobalGiving)  

Thinking of you with immense gratitude,
Miss Carrie, Founder and Leader of the Dirt Girls

Links:

• Dirt Girl Donor Update (July)
• Global Giving Photo Contest (August)
• All the Dirt for Engaging Girls Outside (October 2020)

Dirt Girl Supporter, 

Now, more than ever, we need science that works for everyone, especially women and girls. Amidst the global coronavirus pandemic, The School Garden Doctor continued to build Dirt Girls with creative solutions to reach participating youth, engage mentor apprentices, and spread the word about this innovative program. 

Read on for more details in the the Quarterly Countdown Report below...

5 Parents Offer Vote of Support

Due to school closures, the full Winter Session was not completed. When I offered a partial refund to the paying participants' parents, all five of them opted to donate to a future Dirt Girl. At the end of the year, one mom commented, "I am so proud of the work the Dirt Girls do in the garden." 

4 Dirt Girls Go To Middle School Next Year

On June 5, I hosted a Google Meet to send off four Dirt Girls who will attend middle school next year. Three of the four girls had been in Dirt Girls since they were second graders! We looked at old photos, shared memories, and brainstormed ideas for a Dirt Girl logo. 

3 Conference Presentations Featuring Dirt Girls

On July 8-10, the National Children and Youth Garden Symposium is hosting their 28th National Event as a virtual symposium. I was invited to give three different talks. In Crowdfunding Successes and Challenges, I compare the features of five different online platforms, highlighting what made the 2019 Global Campaign a success (i.e., YOU!). Return of the Dirt Girls shares the program theory, structure, and plans for expanding. Finally, the Dirt Girls program was also included as a case of gender empowerment and equity in Lessons from the Field: Pathways for Women in Horticulture, led by my dear friend and School Garden Doctor board member, Amanda Crump. 

2 Months Focused on Reaching Dirt Girls Remotely

Throughout April and May, I sent a dozen "Dirt Girl Survival Packs" to Winter Session participants' homes. Each pack included a seed catalog, seed saving envelopes, heirloom popping corn (for snacking or saving), stickers, seeds, gloves, each girl's journal and a note reminding them to stay connected to the dirt. During shelter in place, stakeholders have been working to develop a collection of activity cards called the "Dirt Girl Deck." It will offer fun, focused, engaging ways to promote the core values of the program. 

1 Contest Winner

For Earth Day, one Dirt Girl won a $50 gift card to Tractor Supply Company to support her gardening projects at home. 

With Gratitude,

Miss Carrie, Lead Dirt Girl 

Links:

• NCYGS Virtual Symposium Presentation: Return of the Dirt Girls
• Pinterest Board for "Dirt Girl Deck" Ideas
• Diary of a Dirt Girl Earth Day Giveaway