DOWNEY — The Columbia Memorial Space Center on Monday announced a significant sponsorship from Financial Partners Credit Union for their Girls in STEM program.

The sponsorship will provide resources and support to expand the Space Center’s existing Girls in STEM club and create chapters throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

A recent study by Girls Who Code reported that 74% of young girls express an interest in STEM education and careers, however women comprise less than 30% of the STEM workforce. The American Association of University Women found that girls and women are systematically tracked away from science and math throughout their education, limiting their access, preparation and opportunities to go into these fields as adults.

“We are thrilled to expand the Girls in STEM program throughout our region, helping cultivate a deeper sense of engagement and learning in young girls,” said Mayor Blanca Pacheco. “This program will help further position our youth with the mindset and skills to thrive academically and professionally in the future. We thank Financial Partners for their support in helping spread the world of STEM to our youth.”

Launched this month, interested Girls in STEM Chapter Leaders will receive initial Club Starter Kits designed to ignite STEM education including project ideas, discussion topics and a comprehensive guide to launching a new Club. A training for chapter leaders will be held in March at the Space Center, followed by the first Girls in STEM Summit in April, to coincide with Los Angeles’ annual, month-long City of STEM initiative.

Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Alvarez said, “Through programs such as these, we give children the opportunity to thrive in modern STEM education, which virtually affects every component of our everyday lives. Girls in STEM will help bring awareness to just how important STEM is for our youth.”

“Supporting STEM education for today’s youth is a cornerstone of Financial Partners’ community efforts. We believe STEM offers better career opportunities, strengthening family’s financial health and the communities they live in,” said Nader Moghaddam, President and CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union and Chairman of the Foundation Board at Columbia Memorial Space Center. “Eighty-five years ago, we were founded by the people who eventually led missions that took us to the moon and beyond. We’re thrilled to continue this legacy and spark a love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in girls.”

“We’ve had a waitlist of over 100 girls interested in joining our flagship Girls In STEM club for over two years,” said Benjamin Dickow, Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Learning Center. “Thanks to this sponsorship from Financial Partners, who have been long-time supporters of the Space Center, we can now welcome those who have been waiting and bring STEM activities to girls across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.”