Iridescent’s mission is to empower the world’s underrepresented young people, especially girls, through engineering and technology to become innovators and leaders.
Our programming helps young people develop:
We are an education non-profit that trains professional engineers, scientists, and parents to deliver cutting-edge STEM education to underserved girls, children and their families.
Since 2006, we’ve trained more than 8,800 mentors and engaged more than 114,000 participants in our programs.
Our Programs
We have two flagship programs — Curiosity Machine & Technovation. They have different approaches, but share the same core objectives:
Problem Solving & Innovation
To support children and youth to appreciate the science around us and learn how to solve complex problems using science, engineering and technology.
Parent Involvement
To ensure the program has long-term impact by involving parents in the learning process.
STEM Mentorship
To support each child’s learning by connecting them with science and engineering mentors and role models.
Curiosity Machine
Original, hands-on, engineering design curriculum for students in K-12 and their families. Trained engineers and scientists develop and teach unique hands-on projects based on current research and mentor. Parents are engaged as learners alongside their children – a key ingredient for lasting impact not addressed by other STEM educational programs.
Technovation
Technology entrepreneurship program for teams of middle and high school girls. During this 12 week program, girls learn to brainstorm and research ideas, develop a business plan and pitch, and create a mobile APP, to address a local issue in their community.
Scientists and Engineers’ Outreach
We offer multiple ways for professional scientists and engineers to get involved with our programs. Opportunities include learning how to translate academic and professional work into an open-ended design challenge; becoming an online mentor for children building those challenges; teaching a full family science course; and telling your story in a video.
Growth Plan
Learn about our plans to globalize our unique model of industry engagement in STEM education.
Theory of Change
Read our Theory of Change to learn about Iridescent’s long term goals and how we plan to achieve them.
Financial Information
Iridescent is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization, and we value transparency. Find our financial documents here, including:
- 501(c)3 Tax Status Letter
- 990 forms
- Audit forms