“One of the barriers women of color have traditionally faced is a lack of STEM mentors and role models who look like them,” she said. “The Million Girls Moonshot will change that. By focusing on equity and inclusion, engaging local communities and existing afterschool programs, and by providing access to diverse STEM mentors including Intel employee volunteers, the Million Girls Moonshot will help keep girls of color supported and engaged in STEM fields so they continue their passion for STEM in high school and beyond.”

By directing its funds into afterschool programs, the movement could reach as many as 10 million youth through 100,000 afterschool learning programs, she said. These programs sometimes provide opportunities that schools can’t, said Talia Milgrom-Elcott, executive director and co-founder of 100Kin10.