ESD Girls in Engineering Academy
The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) created the ESD Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA) to improve academic achievement and increase the interest in engineering among girls. ESD’s overarching goal is to decrease the gender gap in engineering professions by helping girls to excel at science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and eventually pursue engineering careers.
The Engineering Society of Detroit’s Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA) program, directed by Dr. Gerald Thompkins, is a transformative space that empowers girls, particularly girls of color, historically marginalized in STEM fields, to live their best lives. GEA encourages middle and high school girls and to embrace their innate brilliance through STEM exploration. GEA is unique in that it focuses on the whole person by integrating STEM learning with a student-centered, hands-on, and project-based approach. We focus on the total development of girls’ minds and their natural curiosity to learn. Through GEA, our Scholars are provided access to powerful STEM learning experiences that challenge them to think deeply and critically. As STEM learners, they are empowered to use STEM as a tool for personal and social change.
During the summer 2023 program, we will focus on five themes for first-Year GEA scholars:
- Mathematics (pre-algebra)
- Computer Science (variables, coding, programming languages, and algorithms)
- Mechanical Engineering/Physics
- Drone Technology
- English/Language Arts
ESD will select up to 40 new applications for rising sixth grade middle school girls to participate in a year-long learning program. GEA continues each year, building upon the concepts they learn through their previous GEA courses to create a strong engineering foundation.
The summer experience engages students over a four-week period, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday. The GEA academic year program meets two Saturdays a month October through May for three-hour sessions. The GEA program provides math and science enrichment, engineering and computer science concepts, English/Language Arts comprehension, hands-on project based STEM activities, mentoring, field trips to industry, and engineering career exploration.
GEA Features:
- Education about what engineers do.
- Instructors who are female engineering students and university professors.
- Workshops in STEAM.
- Hands-on experiences designing engineering projects.
- Field trips to Engineering Facilities and other STEM-related places.
- Courses held on university campuses.
- Year 2 and older students stay residentially at university campuses during the summer program.
Program Registration
January 9, 2023 – May 1, 2023
Summer Program Dates/Times
July 10, 2023 – August 4, 2023
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Academic Year Program Dates
October 2023 – May 2024
Saturday (twice a month) 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
How To Apply?
Applications will be accepted from January 9, 2023 – May 1, 2023. Follow the links on this page.
When Will Applicants Be Notified?
The Engineering Society of Detroit will notify applicants of their acceptance or wait-list status after May 2, 2023. We will not be able to respond to status requests before this date. A down payment of $100 will be required to apply. If denied, down payment will be refunded. Please provide a frequently checked email or cell phone (text) number on the application.
What Is The Cost?
$300 per year
Who Is eligible For The Girls in Engineering Academy Program?
Current 5th grade female students who are interested in STEAM and are passionate about learning.
Meet the GEA Team:
Dr. Gerald Thompkins, Program Director
gthompkins@esd.org
248-353-0735, Ext. 139
248-353-0736 FAX
Alexandra Lofton, Program Manager
alofton@esd.org
248-353-0735, Ext. 161
Jazalyn Williams, Program Coordinator
jwilliams@esd.org
248-353-0735, Ext. 128
Parent and Student Testimonials:
“Dr. Thompkins, I wanted to share my daughter’s excitement with you. She came in first place in chemistry class. She said she learned all about whatever they were doing in GEA! Thank you!” —Laurena Bascomb-Evans, GEA Parent
“GEA has allowed me to make friends and help academically. I learned how to dissect a frog and use JAVA. I don’t think I would have done these things at my age without GEA. Without donations, I would not be able to participate in GEA. I personally would like to say thank you to every sponsor and donor. The best part of GEA was going on different field trips learning what different engineers do. I also liked being able to live on a college campus. Initially, I as nervous about being away from my parents but after a couple days I realized that college could be fun! I can’t wait to study engineering 😊” —Maliah Z, Year-2 GEA student
“GEA is very important to me because the program continues to educate and expose young girls, like me, into areas of engineering and opportunities, that I once thought was specifically for boys. Engineers cover a wide range of careers and because of GEA, I found myself becoming more excited about improving core subjects of academics, like math and science. I discovered by being associated with ESD/GEA that I could accomplish just as much, as a young female, as my male classmates can.” —Fyla E, Year-3 GEA student
“I want to share how much this program has impacted my daughter Niara’s learning. She is in Academic Games, and her instructor has said she’s the best in the program. Last year she won the best participant award. Last year she was on honor roll the entire year, and this year not only is she on honor roll but she’s maintaining a 4.0. Huge thank you to you and your staff for all that you do!” —Yahasha Colbert
Applications for 2023-2024 are due May 1, 2023.
MAKE A PAYMENT
To make a GEA payment, choose an amount, enter the student name, press “Pay Now,” then check out.
PHOTOS FROM THE PROGRAM:
2023 SUMMER PROGRAM
2023 AT EMU (PDF)
2023 AT LTU (PDF)
2022 GALLERY
IN THE NEWS:
WDIV Brag Book: Courtney Wright attributes Columbia scholarship to GEA
PBS – “Future of Me – Manufacturing”
PBS – “Future of Me – Cybersecurity”
WXYZ: “Detroit program on a mission to bring more girls, minorities into STEM field”
“How Middle School Girls are Learning Engineering” Detroit Free Press Article
