About

Dr. Cynthia Barnett

Dr. Cynthia Barnett’s journey from educator to innovative entrepreneur is a powerful example of how teachers can redefine their careers beyond the classroom. Her story serves as an inspiration for educators contemplating their next steps after years of service in schools.

Dr. Barnett’s founding of Amazing Girls Science showcases how educators can leverage their expertise to make a lasting impact outside traditional school settings. This program, born out of her concern about the growing gender gap in tech-related fields, aims to empower girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Amazing Girls Science offers a variety of programs, including science conferences, summer camps, and robotics programs, all designed to be interesting and fun for girls from elementary to high school levels.

The organization’s mission is to ignite girls’ interest in STEAM fields while building core life skills such as self-confidence, self-esteem, curiosity, problem-solving, and positive risk-taking. Dr. Barnett’s motivation stemmed from alarming statistics, such as only 14% of computer science undergraduates being female and women holding only 25% of jobs in technical or computing fields. Through hands-on workshops, interaction with role models, and engaging activities, Amazing Girls Science provides girls with opportunities to explore and discover their potential in scientific and technological fields.

AARP Purpose Prize Award

After recalling my ability to reinvent myself in the early days of my early retirement, my calling soon became evident.  I was moved by a research study by AAUW (American Association of University Women) called “Why so few women are in science, technology, engineering & math (STEM).” A light bulb went off. I decided to join the movement to help close the gender gap in the sciences. I found my purpose and passion and realized that all of my previous training as a teacher, counselor, and administrator had exactly prepared me for this second career.

So I founded Saturday Academy to empower young girls to blaze their own path in STEM fields and my efforts have since been recognized and featured in CBS and honored with Community Innovation & Leadership Award.  The biggest recognition of my work was the AARP Purpose Prize award.  More importantly, approximately 40,000 elementary, middle and high school girls have gone through our programs and are better prepared to meet 21st century challenges.