Empowering Young Minds: Girls Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Through Hands-On Workshops
The NiSource Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with NiSource operating companies Columbia Gas and NIPSCO, recently hosted its second annual “Introduce a Girl to STEAM Signature Event,” bringing together more than 300 school-aged girls for a day of exploration, creativity and career discovery. The event was designed to spark curiosity and build confidence among young participants while introducing them to the broad range of opportunities available in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).
This growing initiative reflects the Foundation’s broader mission to build strong and sustainable communities in the regions where NiSource employees and customers live and work. By investing in educational experiences, supporting nonprofit partners and encouraging hands-on learning, the program seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. The Foundation believes that early exposure to STEAM concepts can have a lasting impact on young people’s academic paths and career aspirations, particularly for girls who may not always see themselves represented in technical or creative industries.
The event was structured to be both educational and engaging. Instead of traditional classroom-style lessons, participants moved through a series of interactive stations and team challenges. Engineers and technical professionals designed many of these activities, allowing the girls to experience real-world applications of STEAM skills. Whether they were building simple mechanical systems, experimenting with design principles, or solving collaborative engineering puzzles, the participants were encouraged to think creatively and work together.
In addition to the hands-on demonstrations, the event featured talks and informal conversations with women leaders working in various STEAM fields. These speakers shared personal stories about their career journeys, the challenges they faced and the opportunities they discovered along the way. By hearing directly from professionals who had succeeded in these industries, the girls were able to envision themselves in similar roles in the future.
Melody Birmingham, Foundation board trustee and executive vice president and group utilities president at NiSource, emphasized the importance of such programs. She noted that community engagement and outreach are core values at NiSource, and initiatives like this help build a brighter future. According to Birmingham, when organizations create environments where curiosity is encouraged and girls can see themselves represented in STEAM careers, they are doing more than teaching skills—they are opening doors to lifelong opportunities.
The event took place simultaneously across five states where Columbia Gas and NIPSCO operate: Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Hosting the program in multiple locations allowed the Foundation to reach a wider audience and ensure that girls from different communities could participate. Each event site featured similar core activities but was also tailored to local interests and resources.
NiSource employees played a central role in organizing and running the program. Volunteers from across the company, including members of the women’s employee resource group DAWN (Developing and Advancing Women at NiSource), helped design activities, mentor participants and keep the events running smoothly. Their involvement not only strengthened the program but also demonstrated the company’s commitment to service and community impact.
Reggie Fields, executive director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation, highlighted the long-term vision behind the initiative. He explained that the goal is to inspire girls to imagine themselves making a difference in the world by using science, technology and art to solve real-world challenges. According to Fields, moments of curiosity and imagination can be powerful turning points in a young person’s life, and programs like this help nurture those moments. By supporting such initiatives, the Foundation aims to cultivate future innovators while also investing in the communities it serves.
The success of the event also depended on strong partnerships with local nonprofit organizations in each state. These groups helped recruit participants, coordinate logistics and ensure the program reached those who could benefit most. In Indiana, the event was supported by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana. Kentucky’s program partnered with Junior Achievement, while Pennsylvania’s event was hosted with the help of the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania. In Ohio, the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland served as the local partner, and in Virginia, the organization Pretty Purposed helped bring the event to life.
Each of these nonprofits brought unique expertise and connections within their communities, helping tailor the program to the needs and interests of local participants. Their involvement ensured that the event was not just a one-day experience but part of a broader effort to encourage learning, mentorship and opportunity.
The “Introduce a Girl to STEAM” event is part of a larger strategy by the NiSource Charitable Foundation to support education, workforce development and community resilience. The Foundation focuses on programs that prepare young people for future careers while also strengthening the social and economic fabric of the regions it serves. By investing in STEAM education, the Foundation hopes to address workforce gaps, promote innovation and create more inclusive opportunities for the next generation.
Hands-on experiences like those offered at the event are particularly important because they allow students to see how abstract concepts apply in real life. Rather than simply hearing about engineering or technology, participants get to build, test and experiment. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students develop problem-solving, teamwork and critical-thinking skills.
Another key aspect of the program is representation. Many girls may not consider careers in technical or scientific fields simply because they do not see people like themselves in those roles. By introducing them to women professionals who have built successful careers in STEAM, the program helps break down stereotypes and expand what participants believe is possible.
For NiSource employees, volunteering at the event also provides a meaningful opportunity to give back. Many volunteers reported that working with the girls was both inspiring and rewarding. By sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, they were able to make a direct impact on young participants while also strengthening connections within their communities.
The second annual event builds on the success of the inaugural program, which demonstrated strong interest and positive feedback from participants, families and community partners. With increased attendance and expanded programming, this year’s event reflects the Foundation’s commitment to growing the initiative and reaching even more young people in the future.
Looking ahead, the NiSource Charitable Foundation plans to continue investing in programs that promote education, diversity and opportunity. The organization believes that supporting young people today will help create stronger, more innovative communities tomorrow. Events like “Introduce a Girl to STEAM” are a key part of that vision, offering participants not only knowledge and skills but also confidence, inspiration and a sense of possibility.
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm of NiSource Inc. and its operating companies under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. Through charitable grants, volunteer efforts and community partnerships, the Foundation works to fulfill its mission of building strong, sustainable communities where employees and customers live and work.
By bringing together corporate volunteers, nonprofit partners and young participants, the “Introduce a Girl to STEAM” event demonstrates how collaborative efforts can create meaningful opportunities. As the program continues to grow, it has the potential to inspire thousands of girls to explore new interests, pursue education in STEAM fields and ultimately contribute to the future workforce.
