Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
South Texas College Girls Discovering Math Club is making strides to encourage more women and all students in general to pursue Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.
Launched just six months ago at STC’s Starr County campus, the club has expanded to the Mid-Valley Campus where students are carrying forward the mission of empowerment, mentorship and community.
The Girls Discovering Math Club is part of STC’s Ascender Program, which supports first-generation, minority and low-income students as they work toward graduation and university transfer.
The club builds on this mission by creating a space for all students, especially women, to connect, collaborate and see their potential in STEM.
Globally, women remain underrepresented in STEM. According to the World Economic Forum, women made up only 28.2% of the STEM workforce in 2024, underscoring the importance of programs that encourage women to see themselves in these fields.
“We wanted to have more women involved in STEM,” said Maria Munguia, STC Mathematics faculty member and club advisor. “That’s what sparked the creation of this club at Starr County. Seeing it expand to Mid-Valley shows the growing interest and need.”
The club has already made an impact with events like Pi Day, a national celebration of the mathematics constant Pi, or 3.14, which brought students together for fun, learning and community. Building on that momentum, members and advisors are eager to continue growing this semester.
For Mia Barrera, a Mathematics major and club president, the mission is both personal and powerful.
“Even though more women are getting into STEM, it’s still not at the rate it should be,” she said. “Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am just as capable as my male classmates. Growing up, it was assumed boys are better at math, but that’s not true. This club reminds girls that we belong in these spaces too.”
Beyond empowering women in math, the club helps students succeed in broader ways. Participation fosters a stronger sense of belonging, connects students to peers and the college community and often leads to lasting friendships and support networks.
Research shows students involved in clubs are more likely to graduate and employers view them as more career-ready. Members also develop transferable skills like leadership, teamwork and communication that benefit both personal and professional growth.
Barrera added that the club isn’t just about academics.
“Math has a reputation for being intimidating, but we’re showing it can also be social and community-driven. Even if math isn’t someone’s favorite subject, this club can still support them.”
The club is open to all students, not just women.
“This goes for boys too,” said Veronica Dominguez, Mathematics faculty member. “In STEM fields, we mostly work with men. It’s important to learn how to collaborate and build those professional networks.”
Advisors agree that connection and collaboration are at the heart of the club’s success.
Thelma Landeros, STC math tutor and club advisor, noted that working collectively with students has been a rewarding experience, especially as many are eager to reconnect face-to-face after years of online learning due to COVID-19.
Dominguez reflected on her own time in a college math club, saying involvement gave her opportunities to network, attend conferences and meet presenters.
“That is what we’re building here,” she said. “A support system that opens doors for students.”
Barrera also emphasized the club’s inclusive approach.
“Statistics show more boys are dropping out of college than girls, partly because they’re less likely to join clubs” she said. “That’s why we make sure this club is open to everyone because we want all students to succeed.”
With two campuses already active, the Girls Discovering Math Club is just getting started. As it grows, it will continue to create opportunities for students to thrive in STEM, strengthen their sense of belonging and prepare them for success in college and beyond.
Information source: STC
