Registration for SPIN Forward (formerly SPIN Girls) is now open!
Register using this link (select SPIN Forward in the program dropdown at the bottom of the form)!
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Contact us if you have questions!
What is SPIN Forward (Previously SPIN Girls)?
SPIN Forward is a transformative program. It builds confidence, community and leadership while providing immersive STEM+A experiences. SPIN Forward students receive tailored curriculum to learn in grade based cohort learning environments lead by instructors of color with female-identifying mentors of color from across King County.
SPIN Forward is open to cis girls, trans youth, gender queer youth, gender non-conforming and/or non-binary youth who experience(d) girlhood as a part of their journey entering eighth, ninth, and tenth grade in King County. Students of color with the potential for STEM+A curiosity development, leadership and excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
SPIN Forward meets 12 Saturdays over the course of a school year for Lab Days and Field Days. Lab Days are three hours long and include team building and project based learning, as well as mentor-mentee bonding. Field Days are three hours long and offer an opportunity for scholars to see STEM+A in action through visits to STEM+A focused partners and outdoor learning spaces.
The program culminates in a Capstone presentation, where SPIN Forward students develop and present STEM+A - based solutions to real world challenges.
Professional Mentoring
SPIN Forward cohorts are matched with a female-identifying mentor of color in a STEM+A field who shares their educational and work experiences through conversations and lab and field day engagement. These mentors support the development of a SPIN Forward student’s interest in STEM+A and help dream up an educational plan.
Scholarship and support
Every year, culminating scholars can earn a student participation stipend. By the end of the program, she has the potential of earning multiple year stipends, social emotional development, support in navigating high school course selections and college interest navigation and so much more. We think of our SPIN Forward students as whole individuals and that includes their families. If there are supports needed that are not mentioned we are always available to help find resources for our SPIN Forward students.
Summer programming
In July, SPIN Forward students attend a week-long retreat. The schedule includes workshops, team building, project-based STEM+A learning, and student led planning for the following year.
If you would like to sponsor a SPIN Forward travel experience please contact us!
Check out this vlog from our 2024 SPIN trip to Mount Saint Helens!
Watch our SPIN Family celebrate at our 2022 Capstone event!
Hear what our students have to say about SPIN!
Interested in being a SPIN Mentor? Learn more here.
Want to partner with us for a Field Day? Find out how here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2025-2026 PROGRAM YEAR?
- August 30th - Summer Social
- September 6th - Orientation
- September 20th - Lab Day #1
- October 25th - Field Day #1
- November 15th - Lab Day #2
- December 13th - Field Day #2
- January 17th - Lab Day #3
- February 21st - Field Day #3
- March 14th - Lab Day #4
- April 18th - Field Day #4
- May 16th - Lab Day #5
- May 23rd - Field Day #5
- June 6th - End-of-Year Capstone Celebration
- July 13th - 17th - Summer Retreat
HOW ARE STUDENTS PAIRED WITH MENTORS?
The Program Manager pairs mentors with student cohorts based on. Relationships are naturally developed through program engagament and SEL practices. If you have any specific needs that you’d like met, you can contact the Program Manager and let her know.
HOW LONG ARE EVENTS?
Our in-person lab days and field days are three hours long.
We learned in response to COVID-19, to be prepared to transition our events to a virtual setting when necessary. In this setting, events are only two hours long to avoid Zoom burnout.
HOW DO I EARN AND USE THE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS?
Students who attend 8+ events throughout the year will earn $150. Students who attend less than 8 events will receive $15/event attended. **Students must finish the program year in order to earn that year’s funds.
Please let the SPIN team know if there are resources that a student is in need of. We may be able to help with those needs or assist in finding support. We are here to help.