Why Early Representation Matters

Before girls ever walk into a classroom, they’re already forming ideas about themselves and the world around them. During these formative years—especially between ages 2 and 8—children absorb subtle messages about what’s possible for them. These beliefs shape their confidence, interests, and even the careers they dream about.

Unfortunately, many young girls—especially girls of color—don’t often see scientists, engineers, coders, or mathematicians who look like them. Without these early role models, they may begin to associate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with someone else—often unknowingly shutting the door on paths they might otherwise love.

Representation Is More Than Just Seeing Faces

It’s not just about visibility—it’s about belonging. True representation shows up when girls:

• Hear stories of women like them exploring space, coding apps, or solving health problems.
  

• See dolls and toys that reflect their background and interests.
  

• Engage with books, media, and caregivers who reinforce the idea that STEM is for them.
  

This kind of representation plants powerful internal messages:

“I belong here.”
“I can do this.”
“I can become a scientist, engineer, or coder.”

These affirmations are more than feel-good ideas—they are crucial to building self-belief, curiosity, and resilience, especially in the face of the stereotypes girls may encounter as they grow.

How Caregivers Can Foster Representation

Parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors all play a central role in shaping a young girl’s sense of what’s possible. You don’t need to be a STEM expert—you just need to be intentional.

Here are a few simple but impactful ways to support representation at home and in learning spaces:

• Choose Diverse STEM Toys and Dolls
  Characters like Codie the Coder®, Maria the Mathemagician®, Vera the Vet®, and Astro the Astronaut® aren’t just toys—they’re positive role models wrapped in play. Each one speaks over 75 phrases to inspire, encourage, and teach important STEM and social-emotional concepts.
  

• Read Books Featuring Girls in STEM
   Find picture books and early readers that feature girls from all backgrounds as scientists, tech innovators, and leaders. Storytime becomes a powerful way to expand your child’s vision of what they can become.
  

• Talk About Real-Life STEM Heroes
   Share stories of women like Mae Jemison, Ellen Ochoa, Katherine Johnson, and others who’ve shaped history. Frame these conversations with excitement and pride—it helps girls connect the dots between their dreams and real-world examples.
  

Building a Growth Mindset Through Representation

When girls regularly see people who look like them doing things that are bold, creative, and STEM-related, they begin to internalize the idea that success comes through effort—not perfection.

This is the heart of a growth mindset:

• Trying again when something doesn’t work.
  

• Viewing mistakes as learning steps.
  

• Knowing that intelligence and ability grow over time.
  

Representation helps reinforce these beliefs by showing girls what’s possible—not in abstract, but through characters and people they can relate to. That makes all the difference.

The Bottom Line

Representation isn’t a bonus—it’s essential. When girls see themselves in STEM, they don’t just imagine—they believe. And belief is what fuels confidence, action, and achievement.

By starting in preschool and continuing through play, storytelling, and conversations, we can help raise a generation of girls who know they belong in every lab, workshop, and leadership room out there.

🔗 Explore STEM Dolls Codie the Coder®, Vera the Vet®, Astro the Astronaut®, and Maria the Mathemagician®
🔗 Download Our Free Early STEM Activity Guide