Stepping Into the Future: AI, Healthcare, and Hands-on Science Spark Innovation

This April, the future of science and technology took center stage at Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta. Through a series of high-profile partnerships, our youth moved from university engineering labs to interactive health sciences simulations, proving that the next generation of leadership is bright, innovative, and full of possibility.

The Eureka! Symposium: College Readiness & AI at Kennesaw State

Our middle and high school Eureka! participants stepped onto a college campus for a premier day of academic and professional preparation. Girls Inc. and Kennesaw State University proudly joined forces with the Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Heart & Soul of Atlanta to co-host the Step Into Your Future: AI, STEAM, Health Careers & College Readiness Youth Symposium. Held at the KSU Marietta Campus Engineering Technology Center, the event immersed students in interactive workshop rotations led by industry experts. From analyzing cyber defenses in “Don’t Get Phished” to exploring cutting-edge medicine in “Future Healthcare Careers: People, Technology & AI,” students received direct exposure to emerging career pathways.

A true highlight of the day was the keynote address by Dr. Valerie Bennett, an accomplished mechanical engineer, researcher, author, and national leader in STEM equity. Bringing over 25 years of industry experience and a legacy of securing nearly $3 million in STEM-related grant funding, Dr. Bennett delivered a powerful charge to our girls, urging them to pursue their dreams boldly and leverage the power of representation in innovation. The day culminated in a dynamic Lunch & Learn networking experience and an informative panel mapping out college scholarship pathways through the Pathways to the Future initiative.

STEAM Club: Sinking Their Teeth Into Health Sciences

While our older students were navigating university halls, our elementary and middle school STEAM Club participants were busy launching chemical reactions to explore oral health. Presented in partnership with Links Atlanta, the Bright Bites: Eat Healthy, Smile Bright program blended nutrition, chemistry, and career discovery.

The young scientists put theory into practice through the popular “Tooth Decay Eggs-periment,” where they observed eggs soaked in various everyday liquids—including sodas, juices, and sports drinks—to visually model enamel staining and acid damage. The interactive learning continued with a movement-based Human Flossing Game and an inspiring career panel featuring a pediatric dentist, a dental hygienist, and an orthodontic resident. Shifting the perspective from clinical care to historical research, the girls also met with Ms. Kate, who introduced them to the fascinating world of Dental Archaeology, showing how dental science is utilized to decode history far beyond the dentist’s office.

The Architecture of Success

Whether navigating artificial intelligence at KSU or mapping historical teeth structure with archaeologists, our girls spent April expanding their minds and building critical professional networks. At Girls Inc., we don’t just teach science; we show our participants the literal spaces, professionals, and university campuses where their future careers will take root.

Want to see your young scientist in action? Visit our website at www.girlsincatl.org to register for upcoming STEAM Club sessions!

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