Summer Built the Momentum, Fall Is the Takeover
STEAM Sistahs are turning summer experiences into advocacy, leadership, and action
We’re back, STEAM Sistahs! A new school year is underway, but the momentum never stopped. Summer 2026 gave our STEAM Sistahs opportunities to explore, create, connect, and grow, and now we are carrying that energy into an exciting fall filled with advocacy, leadership, civic engagement, and new opportunities to be seen and heard.
Our 17th Annual Summer STEAM Academy brought middle and high school girls together for two weeks of hands-on learning, career exploration, field experiences, leadership development, financial literacy, wellness, mentoring, public speaking, and sisterhood.
Throughout the summer, students were encouraged to think beyond simply: What career do I want? and begin considering bigger questions:
What problems do I want to help solve? How can I use my skills?
Where does my voice belong? This fall, they have opportunities to put those questions into action.
Beauty Justice: From Learning to Advocacy
One of the powerful threads connecting our spring and summer programming was our Beauty Justice campaign.
In partnership with WE ACT for Environmental Justice, our STEAM/STEM girls explored the proposed New York State Beauty Justice Act and the intersection of science, health, environmental justice, public policy, and advocacy.
Students discussed potentially harmful chemicals in beauty and personal care products, considered how these issues can disproportionately affect Black women, girls, and communities of color, and explored the role young people can play in advocating for healthier communities.
They asked questions. They shared their perspectives. Most importantly, they began seeing themselves as part of the solution.
“We’re not just learning about policy, we’re learning how to use our voices to change it.”
And now, that work is moving from the classroom and Zoom screen to a much larger stage.
One of the moments we are especially excited about is bringing the work of our Summer STEAM Academy Beauty Justice campaign to the Day of Action during a LIVE Global Pulse podcast conversation.
Our STEAM Sistahs are moving beyond simply learning about Beauty Justice. They are helping tell the story themselves, sharing what they learned, asking questions, discussing why the issue matters, and demonstrating how young people can become informed advocates within their communities.
New Date, Same Mission: October 3, YOU’RE ON NOTICE!
A little weather may have shifted our calendar, but it certainly didn’t stop the momentum!
Due to the anticipated Nor’easter, Sister to Sister International made the decision to postpone our September 26 Day of Action with the safety of our students, families, volunteers, partners, and community at the forefront.
Now, we are excited to bring everyone together on Saturday, October 3 for STSI’s Intergenerational Day of Action, Education & Recognition 2026 at New Rochelle High School.
Saturday, October 3, 2026New Rochelle High School , 2026 at 265 Clove Road, New Rochelle, NY
Under the theme From Survival to Joy: Leading the Next Generation of Justice, the Day of Action is designed to move beyond conversation. It creates an intergenerational space where young people and adults can learn together, share perspectives, connect with community leaders, and identify tangible ways to take action.
Throughout the day, attendees will engage around four STSI action areas:
STEAM/STEM & Health Careers
Health & Wellness & Black Maternal Health
Entrepreneurship, Economic Prosperity & Pay Equity
Juvenile & Social Justice
Participants can expect inspiring speakers, a fireside conversation, youth voices, community partner recognition, workgroup calls to action, resources, networking, and opportunities to turn what they learn into something they can carry back to their schools, families, and communities.
The date changed The mission stays the same!
Mark your Calendars
These upcoming experiences give our girls the chance to learn beyond the classroom, connect with leaders and professionals, and explore futures in advocacy, college, STEAM, and civic leadership.
International Day of the Girl Conference
Westchester County International Day of the Girl Conference, bringing high school girls from across Westchester County together for a day of empowerment, education, connection, and celebration.
Friday, October 9, 2026, 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM
Reid Castle at Manhattanville University
2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY
RSVP here
International Day of the Girl provides another opportunity for our students to step outside their everyday environments, connect with other young women, hear new perspectives, and recognize that they are part of a much larger community of girls preparing to lead.
Because this experience takes place during the school day, all STSI students attending with our delegation will receive a participation letter. STSI will also send the letter directly to your child’s school guidance counselor.
Space is limited, so families interested in having their student participate with STSI should let us know as soon as possible.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
Parents, students, educators, and community partners, continue watching your email and STSI STEAM communications for upcoming programs, college and career experiences, scholarships, internships, workshops, community service opportunities, and special events throughout the 2026–27 program year.
Please RSVP for the following upcoming STSI STEAM Academy events:
October
October 9: Westchester County International Day of the Girl Conference, bringing high school girls from across Westchester County together for a day of empowerment, education, connection, and celebration.
CALL TO ACTION
Ready to keep the momentum going?
Invite Black girls and girls of color in your life to join the STSI STEAM Academy.
We offer year-round tutoring, hands-on industry experiences, leadership development, and a sisterhood rooted in the belief of lifting as we climb. Send a quick email to lsmith@s2si.org to learn more or to get started today.
Lydia Jones
Community Impact Operations Consultant
Sister to Sister International
Dr. Cheryl Brannan
Founder and President
Sister to Sister International
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