Hill College hosts third annual G.I.R.L.S. STEM Day

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Wednesday, April 8, 2026 3:16 PM
  General Events

Hillsboro, TX

Last month, Hill College hosted its third annual G.I.R.L.S. (Groundbreaking Innovators Research and Leading in Science) Stem Day as part of the state’s initiative to recognize and encourage girls in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which was established in 2019 by House Bill 3435.*

This year, the Hill County Campus (HCC) of Hill College hosted over 140 students and over 15 teachers from eight regional Independent School Districts (ISDs), Aquilla, Blum, Hillsboro, Covington, Iredell, Morgan, Mt. Calm, and Rio Vista. Sixteen workshops were available to participants, including 12 from Hill College departments and four outside partners.

Students worked with faculty and staff members from STEM, Education, Library Services, the Texas Heritage Museum, and the Business and Industry Departments. Workshops included DNA necklaces, solar bugs, creatures in pond scum, innovation with 3D printing, physics lab equipment exploration, magnetic maze, morse code, index card challenge, acetic titration acid experiment, telescope station, Hillsboro firefly festival information booth, and a welding workstation.

“This year, G.I.R.L.S. STEM Day was focused on the theme of ‘finding your superpower,’ a concept that developed out of a meeting held by Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills, where he asked faculty and staff to introduce themselves and name their superpower—something they bring to the table that enhances their work and growth, and that is an asset to the students they serve. From that, I wanted students to explore their interests and passions because that’s where their superpower exists for their future goals,” said Youth Services Program Coordinator Joceyln Williams.

Community partners RobotLAB, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Baylor Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, and Prairieland Groundwater Conservation Trailer hosted activities as well. RobotLab brought AI robots and coding bots for various activities; Texas A&M held workshops on experiments and research on taste buds; Baylor provided students with an exploration of organisms in local streams; and Prairieland Groundwater Conservation educated participants on how water travels underground, how it flows and nourishes the soil, and how to best cultivate and irrigate water for growth and sustainability.

The STEM Pathway prepares students for careers in science, information technology, kinesiology, engineering, and mathematics. Hill College STEM students receive a solid foundation that prepares them to continue to a four-year institution to further their education. This pathway leads to a wide range of professions, opening doors for opportunities in data analysis, development, engineering, healthcare, innovation, research, and technology.

For more information on the STEM Program at Hill College, visit the STEM Pathway under Courses & Programs at hillcollege.edu.

*While this initiative is geared toward encouraging girls and women in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the Hill College G.I.R.L.S. STEM Day is open to all who want to participate.