This is a story of empowerment. One that starts on the outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska, and extends far beyond. It is a story rich in childhood memories, a supportive family, and a passion for problem solving.
Caitlynn Abraham’s story begins with memories of time spent by her father’s side, tinkering with mechanics and working on custom woodworking projects. Those hours of dirty hands sparked a curiosity and love for understanding how things worked and how to fix them when things didn’t work. Tinkering gave her the space to experiment, problem-solve, take risks, and try new things. And though she didn’t yet realize, she was developing a knack for engineering.
Her upbringing wasn’t without its unique dynamics. As the youngest among much older half-siblings, Caitlynn was almost an “only child” which she says made her feel even more support and encouragement to follow her own path.
Finding Encouragement Along Her Academic Journey
With so much support, Caitlynn admits that the academic part of school came easy. But often, she felt a growing detachment from the interests of her peers, particularly her female friends. Her divergence from the norm didn’t stem from rebellion but rather from her inclination to follow her genuine passions. However, this didn’t always come easy socially.
But Caitlynn said her mother was always encouraging and supportive as she pursued her passion and was there to help her navigate difficult social situations. There were also mentors outside of her family circle who inspired her. Mentors such as Mr. Newkirk, whose passion for teaching 8th-grade algebra made learning an adventure.
“He was the first person to see how I thought, understand it, and hype me up for it outside of my family,“ Caitlynn recalls. “I remember how excited he was to talk to my parents and tell them everything I was doing in the classroom.”
His recognition of Caitlynn’s unique approach to problem-solving and learning style marked a pivotal moment in her educational path as he encouraged her to embrace her talent in math and science. This was an important support system for Caitlynn. All too often, girls who demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for STEM, do not receive the recognition and encouragement to explore that interest. Plus, it was cool to see someone who fully embraced their quirky interests, funny socks and all.
The Powerful Role of Afterschool Programs
But often, a passion for STEM doesn’t fully show itself in the classroom.
Caitlynn flourished in afterschool and summer programs. Her involvement with her Boys and Girls Club and Eureka with Girls Inc. gave her the opportunity to explore subjects that she was interested in. These programs offered the opportunity to explore and problem-solve on another level, similar to the tinkering that she did with her father as a young girl. These programs also brought together a group of kids who were interested in math and science, an important element for a child who didn’t always see students with the same engagement in her traditional classrooms. As Caitlynn puts it,
“I have grown into who I am in afterschool programs. I gained a brand-new sense of confidence and a sense of who I am as a person. I discovered who I am and want to be. I also made lifelong connections to my peers that are unlike any I have made anywhere else.”
Through her experience in before and after school clubs, she was introduced to Million Girls Moonshot (MGM), applied to the MGM Flight Crew, and was selected as Nebraska’s 2023 Flight Crew representative. It was through these clubs and organizations that Caitlynn further formalized her social circle of girls who shared her passions. As she emphasized, so many girls who were part of the MGM Flight Crew had stories like hers. Young women who found their passion for STEM at a young age but whose interests often made them feel like outsiders.
Turning Interests into Confidence and Authenticity
Before her experience with MGM, Caitlynn described herself as quiet and introverted, but her involvement with Million Girl Moonshot helped her discover her voice, not just in advocating for her STEM education but in encouraging young girls to perceive math as a gateway to problem-solving rather than a daunting subject.
Caitlynn was transformed by her experience with the Flight Crew within MGM. She says she learned to be kinder to herself, to watch her internal dialogue, and now finds herself pushing boundaries she once thought impassable – dancing and singing on stage, stepping out of her comfort zone with newfound courage.
In reflecting on how MGM impacted her life, Caitlynn said, “After my time in the flight crew, I have noticed a fundamental change in myself. I have the courage to speak up, I advocate for others and myself, including topics about mental health. It truly made a positive impact on me and my life.”
Focusing on a Future of Advocacy and Empowerment
Caitlynn’s journey transcends her career aspirations. It’s about the doors opened to diverse STEM pathways. It’s about fostering a mindset unafraid of asking questions and sharing ideas while navigating problem-solving. Her experience has not only deepened her love for science and math but has transformed her confidence and identity.
Attending the MGM conference in Atlanta, Caitlynn’s encounter with Lauren Clark and Alison O’Toole, from Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Beyond School Bells (BSB) Initiative, sparked a journey that extended her impact. Encouraged to join BSB’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC), Caitlynn found herself not just advocating for STEM but also helping girls find their unique strengths and group identities.
Lauren Clark recalls meeting Caitlynn and the value she brought to YLC. “Caitlynn has been such an amazing addition to the BSB Youth Leadership Council (YLC). We knew that, through her experience on the MGM Flight Crew, she would have learned important advocacy and storytelling skills that would make her an amazing addition to YLC.”
Lauren goes on to say, “Caitlynn’s passion for STEM education and increasing equity for girls in STEM was immediately evident in the way she lit up when talking about the potential afterschool has to encourage girls in STEM.”
Through the YLC, council members from across Nebraska spend the semester brainstorming and proposing ways to improve their afterschool programs and fill unmet needs. For Caitlynn’s final project, she is creating a website to collect STEM resources and activities for afterschool programs that go beyond typical STEM activities. Her goal is to expand STEM opportunities to kids in Lincoln and across the state.
Photo cred: Million Girls Moonshot
In addition to being a participant on the YLC, Caitlynn was also selected to be a part of the MGM’s 2024 National STEM Challenge Advisory Council. Alongside other council members, she will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between learners and leaders, all while ensuring science instruction continues to encourage empowerment in girls and underserved populations across the country.
Elevating A Passion to Encouraging Others
As Caitlynn navigates the world of STEM advocacy and empowerment, she stands as a model for young girls, demonstrating how individuality leads not only to academic success but also to personal growth and empowerment. Her story is one of the transformative power of support, community, and believing in oneself.
Caitlynn’s journey is a reminder that the stars are not just something to admire; they’re something to reach for, especially for those who dare to dream and believe in their potential.
Her intention to create a more inclusive space for young women pursuing STEM opportunities and her commitment to showing her capabilities without hiding in the shadows underscores the importance of youth voice and empowerment.
Collaborating in the Importance of Out-of-School Programming
Caitlynn’s story intertwines with Million Girls Moonshot’s mission and the impact of Beyond School Bells and the Youth Leadership Council, showcasing the potential for change when support, opportunity, and belief converge in the pursuit of a brighter future for all.
Beyond School Bells (BSB), an initiative of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, believes in the power of out-of-school time learning opportunities (expanded learning opportunities). As Nebraska’s Statewide Afterschool Network (SAN), BSB focuses on supporting children in grades K-12 across Nebraska, which provides hands-on, engaging learning opportunities for students outside of the regular school day.
Million Girls Moonshot (MGM) is a multi-year, nationwide initiative that aims to increase the number of women and other underrepresented groups interested in careers in fast-growing STEM fields through growing more equitable and inclusive STEM learning opportunities in afterschool and summer learning programs. Beyond School Bells was awarded an MGM grant by STEMNEXT. The MGM goal is to expose 1 million girls and other underrepresented youth across the nation to STEM careers through expanding access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning experiences.
Million Girls Moonshot and Beyond School Bells work together to engage more girls and underrepresented youth in STEM through afterschool and summer programs throughout Nebraska.
Nebraska Children’s mission is to create positive change for Nebraska’s children through community engagement.
Growing the Good Life 
Thank you Kenna, your article beautifully captures part of the amazing young woman I’m so proud to call my daughter! It really gives me hope for the future, witnessing how these new programs have impacted Caitlynn, and knowing opportunities like them are available for others like her.