Sowing Seeds of Curiosity: Sprouts Foundation Champions STEM and Health at UT Austin’s Girl Day
Carrots, radishes, and watermelons don’t care who plants them. They’ll grow just the same, no matter whose hands tend the soil. That’s the beautiful simplicity of gardens—they offer a level playing field where anyone can grow, learn, and thrive. And that same inclusive spirit came alive at UT Austin’s STEM Girl Day this February, where more than 12,500 girls in kindergarten through eighth grade gathered to explore science through exciting, hands-on activities.
Hosted annually by Women in STEM (WiSTEM) at the University of Texas at Austin, Girl Day has become a premier event for inspiring girls to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and leaders in their communities. Including parents, teachers, and chaperones, this year’s event brought together more than 18,000 participants on campus for a full day of immersive learning and playful experimentation.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of dedicated sponsors like the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, which helps power efforts to make STEM accessible and exciting for the next generation. The Foundation’s investment is more than financial—it’s a commitment to growing healthier communities by connecting young people to opportunities that nourish both the body and mind.
The day featured over 160 participating organizations, including student-led groups, nonprofits, and companies, alongside thousands of volunteers who donated their time, energy, and expertise. From mixing “magical” potions in mock chemistry labs to operating robots, exploring the cosmos, and watching wild physics demonstrations at the famed Physics Circus, kids got to do more than just observe—they became the scientists.
As one parent said, “My daughters look forward to this annual event. The activities give them a chance to experience the real-world impact of STEM in ways that are fun, memorable, and deeply educational.”
Beyond the fun, the event has a strategic mission rooted in equity and empowerment. Girl Day is anchored by three key goals:
- Cultivating a sense of belonging in STEM fields among pre-college participants, especially young girls who may not see themselves represented in these careers.
- Educating STEM professionals and college students about the importance of visibility, representation, and role modeling.
- Developing leadership and mentoring skills among college students as they interact with and guide young participants throughout the day.
These goals are vital in a time when women still account for only 28% of the STEM workforce, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. By engaging young girls early and often, events like Girl Day help to bridge the gap and ensure more equitable access to future opportunities.
What started small in the early 2000s with only 95 students has blossomed into one of the nation’s most robust “girls in STEM” initiatives. Since its launch, more than 100,000 young students have registered, participated, and been introduced to resources that may shape their future careers. Volunteers have collectively donated over 89,000 hours to support the program’s growth and outreach.
This year, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation partnered with UT Austin’s EdEN Lab (Edible Education and Nutrition) to support Girl Day. EdEN Lab focuses on building school garden curricula that connect STEM learning with healthy lifestyle practices. The collaboration perfectly aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support hands-on, garden-based learning that promotes wellness and sustainability.
For Sprouts, the value of this partnership lies in its long-term impact. “We’re proud to be a part of something that not only promotes health and nutrition but also plants the seed of possibility for girls interested in science and technology,” said a representative from the Foundation.
Whether it’s harvesting vegetables or building robots, the message is clear: every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and lead. And with efforts like STEM Girl Day at UT Austin, powered by passionate partners and purpose-driven programs, the future is already looking brighter—and more inclusive—one seed at a time.
