


This Is What A Scientist Looks Like
![]() Dr. Danielle TwumConducts research in oncology and clinical immunology | ![]() Dr. Rae Wynn-GrantUses statistical modeling to investigate how anthropogenic factors can influence the spatial patterns of carnivore behavior and ecology | ![]() Dorothy TovarResearches antiviral immune responses in bats to understand their remarkable ability to host viruses that are deadly to humans |
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The Problem
A barrier exists for black women entering S.T.E.A.M.-related careers. The images of scientists in fiction … or in real life … are often depicted as white and male. This dominated image does not resemble black female students and it engenders a false assumption that these young girls should not aspire to become scientists because either S.T.E.A.M. careers are only designated for white men or the attainment of a S.T.E.A.M. career would go against the accepted traditional gender role. Every black girl who aspires to pursue a field in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics should be able to do so.
The Solution
Bright Light Volunteers is answering that call through its Black Girls Go Global program. Black Girls Go Global will invest in the future of black women in STEAM careers and break gender biases in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics fields. Society does not draw an accurate nor comprehensive image of the desires of many black girls. Black girls should begin to envision themselves in careers that have been predominantly occupied by white males.
Participants earn a Certificate for Global Citizenship; obtain knowledge and understanding of soil conservation, animal wild life in Costa Rica and how they are being protected, and best practices by the Costa Rican government to protect its flora and fauna; learn of the local, national and/or global issues and the interconnectedness and interdependency of different countries and populations; develop awareness of one’s own personal reactions to those from different cultures (personal biases, beliefs, attitudes); and act effectively and responsibly at local, national and global levels for a more peaceful, just and equitable world.
Program Overview
Program Duration: 1-Week
Service Learning Project
12 Hours of volunteer work at
farm/wildlife center and beach.
Cultural Activities
Panel discussion by The Black Girl
Social Club of Costa Rica; salsa
dancing; Tico cooking lessons; and
visiting a coffee farm.
Recreational Activities
Ziplining, paddle boarding;
and snorkeling.
Other Activities
Yoga meditation and painting
classes.

Program Cost
Fundraising Goal: $27,000
Cost Per Participant: $1,928
What's Included?
Roundtrip Airfare to
Costa Rica
On-site, Bilingual Community Host Leader
Cultural and Recreational Activities
24/7 State-side Support
Costs of Passports Applications
Service Learning Project Funding
All Airport Transfers and On-site Transportation
Three (3) Meals a Day
International Medical and Emergency Evacuation Insurance Provided
Facial Masks, Hand Sanitizer, Etc.
On-site, Trained BLV Representative
Lodging
All Culturally Immersive Activities
COVID Test to Return to U.S.
Farm Tools
Sample Itinerary
How Individuals Can Help
Donations (of any amount) gets us closer to making this program a reality. Below are guidelines of how your donation will help.
$1,928 covers all travel and program costs for 1 girl.
$1,000 covers costs of t-shirts for participants, chaperones, and leaders.
$600 covers costs of food, bottled water, and snacks for 1 girl for 1 week.
$500 covers costs of farm tools (shovels, rakes, hoes, and gloves) for 10 girls.
$350 covers cost of phone calling cards for 10 girls.
$100 covers recreational costs of 1 girl for 1 day.
$75 covers the costs of a hotel room for 1 night for 1 girl.

Your tax-deductible donation is appreciated.
We are grateful for your support.

How You Can Become A Sponsor
Do you own or work for a company passionate about helping Black girls achieve their fullest potential?
Does the company have a matching gift program?
Science Supporter - $3,500
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Name recognition on donor's list
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IRS acknowledgement letter
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Visibility on social media and all promotional materials

Environmental Sustainer - $10,500
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Name and logo recognition on donor's list
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IRS acknowledgement letter
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Visibility on social media and all promotions
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Website logo placements
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Article about donation

Technology Leader - $27,000
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Name and logo recognition on donor's list
-
IRS acknowledgement letter
-
Visibility on social medial and all promotional materials
-
Website logo placement Video interview
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Complimentary invitation for one (1) person
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to participate in program.

Your tax-deductible donation is appreciated.
We are grateful for your support.