#HiddenNoMore, “Hidden Figures” Film Inspires STEM Education Exchange Program

Thanks to the film, “Hidden Figures,” the United States will now have a state department program for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The program, which is appropriately called #HiddenNoMore, will invite 50 women to Washington in October who work in science, technology, engineering, and math across the world to the United States. Fox will welcome them with a screening at National Geographic, which will be followed by  the women will break into subgroups and spending three weeks meeting with organizations across the U.S.; varying from universities, Girl Scouts, and various organizations that promote STEM for women and girls/women.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, They’ll regroup in L.A., where Fox, which has donated nearly $400,000 to such Figures initiatives as scholarship competitions and free screenings, will host a two-day event for them on the lot. “Our goal is to get people from diverse communities talking about these issues,” says White of the public-private partnership, “that are vital to long-term U.S. security and prosperity.”

Women only account for 35% of people receiving a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. There’s very little racial diversity as well. According to the National Science Foundation, less than 10% of the STEM workforce was Black and Hispanic in 2010.

“This movie has taken on a life of its own and sparked things we’ve never seen before,” says Liba Rubenstein, head of social impact for 21st Century Fox. “From a social-impact perspective, the enduring relevance of this film means there has been no end to the demand for partnerships.”

Congratulations to all the participants, and when applications open for the next session; I’ll post them.