Who We Are
About Us
STEM the Gap Academy is an empowerment company that uses chess as a vehicle to boost confidence and competence in girls, with a mission to close the gender gap in all male-dominated fields, particularly in STEM fields. This mission is the core of the organization and guides everything we do.
The positive impact of learning chess is well-researched and has been proven to be instrumental in the development of both character and grit in children. Nevertheless, chess continues to be a sport that predominantly boys are encouraged to learn and engage in, while girls continue to miss out.
At STEM the Gap Academy, we recognize the importance of bringing girls into chess and we believe that by doing so, we are actively helping develop and influence the next generation of women leaders worldwide.
This is why the Chess Girl Collective of educators are an international and diverse group of passionate chess experts and professionals, dedicated to being strong female role-models for every student that they encounter.
As a result, every Chess Girl lesson is an enthusiastic, fun and empowering experience that encourages powerful thinking. Students learn chess by asking questions, expressing ideas and solving problems through trial and error. From classrooms to boardrooms, we ultimately believe that every girl can thrive in life and approach all challenges with the same confidence as a brave pawn in its opening move.
Our Community
The combination of mentoring relationships, a supportive, safe environment, and exceptional chess instruction equips girls to navigate self-doubt, anxiety and cultural norms and barriers to reach their full potential. Our community is welcoming and inclusive of students of all races, colours, orientations, religious beliefs, disabilities, and to all who identify as girls.
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During the decades that I actively played chess, I think I proved that we are capable of the same fight as any man. It’s not a matter of gender, It’s a matter of being smart.
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