Inspiring Girls* Expeditions Alaska is an educational program of the International Arctic Research Center dedicated to removing barriers to access to science and the outdoors. Since launching their flagship expedition Girls* on Ice Alaska in 2012, the program has offered unique 12-day science/art/outdoor expeditions that inspire curiosity, creativity, and courage through exploring inspiring landscapes. Throughout each expedition, the instructor team of professional early career scientists, artists, and outdoor guides engages participants in scientific and artistic inquiry about the natural world around them. This approach aims to foster participants’ sense of self-confidence in their physical, intellectual, and leadership abilities, and to create lifelong advocates for Earth science and environmental stewardship. To date, Inspiring Girls* has hosted more than 175 participants from all corners of Alaska, and beyond. 

Inspiring Girls* invites participation from youth aged 16-18 with gender identities historically marginalized in science and the outdoors, while taking an intersectional approach to also address the underrepresentation of other minoritized groups. Inspiring Girls* is among few science/outdoor programs that is tuition-free, provides all equipment, and offers travel scholarships to any participant, in order to remove financial barriers that have historically limited access to such extracurricular activities. The program also intentionally builds diverse teams, bolsters early career instructors through professional development scholarships, participates in staff community learning around diversity and inclusion, and centers on culturally-responsive teaching. Towards improving future programs, program staff have initiated a study co-designed with colleagues from the Alaska Tribal Resilience Learning Network and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society that focuses on participants’ experiences as they relate to Alaska Native values, including their: sense of belonging; holistic wellness; Traditional Knowledge learning, and; connection to land and waters/sense of place. Program staff have also recently published a journal article (https://doi.org/10.3167/sib.2023.220103) on the best practices in diversity and inclusion used by Inspiring Girls* along the continuing path towards inclusive excellence. 

Altogether, Inspiring Girls* recognizes that reimagining real inclusivity and equity is a complex reality requiring ongoing reflection as well as numerous intentional approaches to supporting new members in the scientific and outdoor spheres. The Inspiring Girls* community is committed to continuing that work.