Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Girls 4 Science
Legal Name (if Different): GIRLS 4 SCIENCE
Also Known As: G4S
Mailing Address: PO Box 288958
City: Chicago
State: IL
Postal Code: 60628
Main Phone: 773-401-6685
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.girls4science.org
Employer ID Number: 27-0147595
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Public Charity

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/25
Requested Amount: $7,500

Project Title: Saturday STEM Academy 2026
Project Description:

Girls 4 Science was established in 2009 to address the lack of accessible and affordable quality science programs for young girls of color in Chicago. Our mission is to enrich girls’ lives through early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and highlight women of color in STEM fields. We equip participants with knowledge, confidence, and motivation to pursue advanced scientific study and careers, with a vision to create a sustainable pipeline of women, especially women of color and those from under-resourced communities, into STEM careers.

Our flagship Saturday STEM Academy (SSA) runs for six weeks, four times per year, at three locations each time. High school and middle school students learn in blended classrooms and each session accommodates 100+ girls. With input from participants, parents, and partners, the Program Committee selects a topic for each quarterly session and presents it in partnership with a corporation or community organization with access to STEM professionals and subject matter expertise. Each session includes evidence-based activities proven to retain girls’ interest in STEM and build confidence in their STEM abilities including science exploration through project-based instruction in state of the art laboratories, field trips that provide opportunities to link concepts learned in the STEM curriculum to real-world applications, and career exploration through mentorships and speaker panels. Program goals include increasing confidence and competence in STEM subjects, fostering interest in STEM studies during high school and college, enhancing appreciation for pioneering women of color in STEM, and expanding understanding of diverse career paths for women in STEM.

SSA is the only free, non-selective, year-round STEM program for girls ages 10-18 years in the Chicago region. Annually, we serve a diverse population of over 500 girls from 54 cities and 193 schools, primarily from under-resourced communities of color on the south and west sides.

Total Project Budget: $319,025.98

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We are still in the early stages of applying for funding to support 2026 programming. The following have been requested and/or committed for 2025; those marked with an asterisk are renewable for the following year. Obama Foundation – Girls Opportunity Alliance $46,653 committed, *Old National Bank Foundation $15,000 committed, Albert Pick Jr. Fund $15,000 committed, *Ecolab $15,000 committed, *KSI Foundation $6,000 committed, *Protolabs $25,000 requested, GEICO $20,000 requested, *McGraw Foundation $5,000 requested, *Society for Science $5,000 requested

Project Duration: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Chicagoland, IL
Age Group To Be Served: 10-18 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jackie
Contact Last Name: Lomax
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7734016685
Contact Email: jlomax@girls4science.org