Hasbro and Girl Up to launch Girl Innovators of Play initiative in 2024

Hasbro has partnered with Girl Up – a girl-centred leadership development initiative of the United Nations Foundation – to launch the Hasbro Girl Innovators of Play challenge.

Launching in early 2024, Girl Innovators of Play will include a STEM-based bootcamp and invitation to girls between the ages of 13 and 24 to submit a social impact project idea focused on a cause they are passionate about. Following the bootcamp, participants have the chance to apply for up to $1,000 in funding to transform that vision into reality.

“Girl Innovators of Play is the next step in Hasbro’s commitment to collaborating with and celebrating innovative women and girls with ground-breaking ideas,” said Kim Boyd, Head of Toy at Hasbro.

“This generation of girls has the power to tackle complex problems in their communities – and perhaps go on to create the next massively successful toy or game – and we are excited to help spark and support their creativity every step of the way.”

Girl Up CEO Melissa Kilby added: “Supporting girls in STEM isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about pioneering progress. Programs like Girl Innovators of Play will inspire generations of young innovators to build a brighter, more inclusive future, creating solutions that not only tackle our world’s most pressing challenges but also shape a more equitable world for all.”

As part of its partnership with Girl Up, Hasbro will provide:

A Girl Innovators of Play Bootcamp: comprised of a hands-on program for girl leaders globally to create human-centred design-led solutions to problems in their own communities. Girls will also learn from and engage with prominent women leaders at Hasbro and the inventor community.

Opportunity to apply for seed funding, up to $1,000: following the bootcamp, Girl Up participants will have the opportunity to apply for seed funding, supported by Hasbro, through the Girl Up Project Awards program.

Ongoing support from Hasbro’s Women’s Leadership Network, employee volunteers and women executives, through program design and implementation, speaking engagements, mentoring and more to continue bridging the gender gap in STEM.

More program details will be shared in January. Those interested to learn more about Hasbro’s Girl Innovators of Play and the 2024 program launch can learn more here.

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