10 Best Nonprofits/Charities for Girls in STEM Education
Across the world, women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Yet, studies show that when women and girls are equipped with STEM education, they not only improve their lives but uplift entire communities.
Thankfully, a growing number of nonprofits are working to close the gender gap in STEM, especially for underserved girls and women in Africa and other developing regions. Whether you’re looking to donate, partner, or apply for support, here are 10 of the best charities championing women in STEM education today.
1. WAAW Foundation (Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women)
Location: Pan-African
What They Do:
WAAW Foundation is one of Africa’s most impactful nonprofits focused on closing the gender gap in STEM education. Since 2007, WAAW has worked to empower African women and girls with access to education, leadership training, and hands-on STEM skills.
Their programs empower a pipeline of African women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math who give back to their communities.
By the Numbers:
- WAAW has awarded 196 college scholarships to bright under-resourced African women pursuing STEM degrees
- They have established 90 active STEM Chapters in universities across Africa, run by student leaders
- 27 African countries has been reached through their programs and strategic partnerships
- 2,246 teachers trained in digital literacy, STEM instruction, and social-emotional learning
These efforts directly influence thousands of lives, especially in underserved areas, by equipping students and educators with the tools to teach, lead, and innovate. WAAW Focuses on sustainability and ripple impact—where one empowered girl inspires dozens more.
2. Technovation Girls
Location: Global
What They Do:
Technovation is a global tech education nonprofit that inspires girls and young women (ages 8–18) to become leaders and innovators through technology. Their flagship program—Technovation Girls—invites girls from around the world to form teams, identify a problem in their community, and build a mobile app or AI-powered solution to solve it.
The program goes beyond just coding. It includes lessons in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, collaboration, and pitching. Girls work with mentors and gain the confidence to present their ideas on global stages. Each team creates a real-world product and business plan, building skills that prepare them for careers in STEM and leadership.
Technovation is especially impactful because it focuses on girls from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, uses project-based learning to turn abstract tech concepts into real tools, and helps girls see themselves as creators, not just consumers of technology
Notable Impact:
- Over 350,000 girls reached in 100+ countries
- Girls have built apps to fight domestic violence, support education access, monitor water quality, and more
- Alumni have gone on to pursue STEM degrees and launch startups
3. Girls Who Code
Location: USA-based with international programs
What They Do:
Girls Who Code is one of the most recognized nonprofits working to close the gender gap in technology. Founded in 2012, the organization offers a range of programs to help girls (ages 13–17) develop computer science skills and confidence.
What makes Girls Who Code unique is its focus on community, sisterhood, and representation. Girls not only learn to code, but they also connect with role models in tech, work on meaningful real-world projects, and build lasting relationships with peers.
Their programs include clubs programs, summer programs and code at home.
They have served over 500,000 girls with 50% from historically underrepresented groups in tech, and have produced about 90,000+ alumni, many of whom are now pursuing tech degrees and careers
4. She Codes Africa
Location: Africa
What They Do:
She Code Africa is a pan-African nonprofit organization committed to empowering young African women and girls with the technical skills they need to thrive in the tech industry. With a presence in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, SCA focuses on training, mentorship, and community building, offering a safe and inclusive space for women to explore and grow their careers in technology.
At the core of SCA’s mission is skill development. Through their various initiatives, women receive practical training in software development, data science, product design, cloud computing, product management, and technical writing. Participants gain real-world experience, build professional portfolios, and connect with industry mentors who guide them through their tech journeys.
One of the standout features of She Code Africa is its vibrant community. From high school girls to university students and career changers, the organization provides multiple entry points for women at different stages of their learning. The SCA Academy offers intensive, tuition-free training programs that build core tech skills, while the MentorHer program connects young women with seasoned professionals for guidance and support.
In addition to these national-level programs, She Code Africa runs local chapters across various African cities. These chapters organize events, workshops, and hackathons that foster peer learning and collaboration. The organization also reaches girls in secondary schools through its Teen Code Africa initiative, planting early seeds of tech curiosity and confidence.
Since inception, She Code Africa has trained and mentored over 40,000 women. Its alumni have gone on to secure jobs in leading tech companies and become role models in their communities.
5. Black Girls Code
Location: USA
What They Do:
Black Girls Code is a U.S.-based nonprofit with a mission to bridge the tech gap by presenting technology and coding to Black girls ages 7–17. Through workshops, hackathons, and after-school programs, Black Girls Code empowers girls with tangible skills like programming, robotics, and web development. They provide a vibrant and supportive environment where young girls, often underrepresented in tech, can explore their interests and develop confidence. The organization’s deep focus on community-building, mentorship, and visibility helps cultivate the next generation of Black women technologists who are ready to innovate and lead
6. National Girls Collaborative Project
What They Do:
NGCP is a network of networks working together to inspire and empower youth, especially girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We facilitate collaboration between more than 42,500 organizations that serve over 20.2 million girls and 10 million boys. For over 22 years, NGCP has been transforming STEM by creating experiences as diverse as the world we live in.
7. STEMspiration
STEMspiration is a global mentoring initiative focused on empowering early- and mid-career women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded on the belief that mentorship is a critical driver of success in STEM fields, STEMspiration connects women to accomplished professionals across the globe who offer guidance, encouragement, and practical career advice. Through structured mentorship cohorts, online workshops, and access to career development resources, STEMspiration helps participants build confidence, refine their goals, and expand their professional networks. Many women have used the program to secure research grants, leadership roles, and advanced study opportunities. The platform is especially impactful for women in underrepresented regions or fields, creating space for knowledge exchange, visibility, and long-term growth in STEM.
8. The Scientista Foundation
Location: USA
What They Do:
The Scientista Foundation supports college and graduate students pursuing degrees in STEM fields through mentorship, storytelling, and community-driven initiatives. Their platform shares inspiring articles, research insights, and profiles of women in STEM. They also host conferences and campus chapters that help students make connections and gain visibility. By combining personal narratives with actionable advice, Scientista encourages young women to stay in scientific careers. Their efforts increase mental well-being, affirmative representation, and the sense that female students in STEM can, and should belong.
9. AkiraChix
Location: East Africa
What They Do:
AkiraChix is an East African nonprofit focused on transforming tech education for young women, primarily in Kenya. Through their flagship codeHive program, AkiraChix offers foundational training in programming, web development, and algorithmic thinking. They also provide mentorship, incubators, and entrepreneurship training to help their participants turn ideas into tech solutions. AkiraChix bridges the gap between training and employment by connecting graduates with industry partners. Their community emphasizes real-world application and social impact, demonstrating that technology can be both a tool and a purpose.
10. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science
Location: Global
What They Do:
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program is a prestigious global initiative that aims to ensure gender equality in scientific research and innovation. It awards research fellowships and prizes to outstanding women scientists, offering financial support and recognition. The program spans over 115 countries, with a special focus on uplifting researchers in the Global South. Past recipients have used their grants to advance groundbreaking work in fields like biotechnology, earth sciences, and physics. By acknowledging and supporting women in science, this program uplifts their careers and inspires younger women to follow in their footsteps.
Girls don’t need saving. They need backing. These 10 nonprofits are building the future of tech—one girl at a time. Want to be part of that story?
How You Can Support Women in STEM:
- Donate to one of these charities
- Volunteer your time or skills
- Share this blog with your network
- Mentor a young woman in STEM
Join the Movement: Help WAAW Foundation Empower the Next Generation of Women in STEM
At WAAW Foundation, we’ve seen what happens when African girls are given the tools to succeed: they don’t just change their own lives, they transform communities, lead innovations, and create opportunities for others.
With 196 scholarships awarded, 90 active STEM chapters, and over 2,200 teachers trained across 27 countries, we’re doing real work and seeing real impact.
You can be part of this impact.
You can donate today to help fund a young woman’s education, or volunteer your skills or time to support our programs.
Share this blog as well, to reach more people.
Thank you for believing in this work. Let’s keep building—one girl at a time.