Girls in STEAM Academy
Girls in STEAM Academy is a non-profit initiative by the Be an Ally Foundation, established in 2021 to address the significant gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), with a strong emphasis on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
Core mission
Their core mission is to empower girls and young women by equipping them with the digital skills, confidence, and leadership skills necessary to explore, pursue, and thrive in ICT and other STEAM careers. The rationale 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.
The flagship programme, BridgeSTEAM, is a free, two-day intensive learning experience designed for girls aged 14–16. The programme focuses on building strong foundational skills in coding while embedding discussions around gender equality, global challenges, and personal development. At the end of the programme, participants build their own personalised website from scratch, with no prior knowledge needed.
Beyond technical skills, the programme 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. BridgeSTEAM gives priority to girls from rural areas and those facing socioeconomic difficulties, ensuring that the digital transition leaves no one behind.
Impact so far
Girls in STEAM Academy's key objective is to address the gender gap by offering free, high-quality programs focused on coding (HTML, CSS) confidence building, and career awareness. So far, over 250 girls have graduated from the BridgeSTEAM programmes, including Ukrainian refugee girls as well as Turkish Cypriot girls, forming part of our alumnae network, which receive continued support through year-round opportunities, including the job shadowing programme, participation in public events, and the chance to host an episode of the “SheSpeaks” podcast, where they practice their public speaking skills and offer their perspectives as potential young women in STEAM.
Girls in STEAM Academy directly supports its beneficiaries, i.e. teenage girls and young women, by helping them develop future-ready digital skills in a safe and supportive environment, while also challenging the systemic biases that shape career choices. Their activities are free of charge, inclusive of underrepresented groups, and designed to be fun, hands-on, and confidence-building. Their initiative not only equips girls with technical coding skills, but also empowers them be able to envision themselves as future tech leaders. Over 93% of participants reported increased interest in STEAM careers, and 89% noted improved self-confidence.
Why is this a good practice?
Since its inception, Girls in STEAM Academy has trained over 250 girls and young women in coding and digital skills, with more than 90% satisfaction level reported through anonymous feedback after each BridgeSTEAM programme cycle. Operating in Nicosia, Larnaka, and Limassol, they're established a growing alumnae network that supports continued learning and career development, contributing to increased female participation in ICT across Cyprus.
The main beneficiaries are girls aged 14-18, especially from rural areas or with socioeconomic difficulties, who gain digital skills (particularly coding) and guidance for ICT careers. As the alumnae network grows, many continue benefiting as young women through mentorship, university-level opportunities, and networking.
While BridgeSTEAM has not yet been formally replicated elsewhere, its growing visibility and success in Cyprus have sparked interest among partners in EU-funded projects to explore adaptation in their local contexts. The growing alumnae network and institutional collaborations supports cross-border adaptation and ensures the project's continued reach and relevance.
In a world where women still face barriers in tech, Girls in STEAM demonstrates that inclusion, creativity, and empowerment go hand-in-hand. Led by a small team, the initiative is grassroots yet global in its vision, rooted in Cyprus but growing across borders through powerful collaborations. They connect girls with real women role models, real tools, and real opportunities to dream and imagine themselves in ICT. Every line of code they write is a line against gender bias. Their programmes are free of charge, accessible, and evolving, because they believe digital futures must belong to everyone.
