GALS Michigan

08/10/2026

And that’s a wrap! The GALS did an amazing job on their 2-week adventure and came back with some hilarious memories and lots of science knowledge.

08/08/2026

Big shout out to GR Outside and various donors for supplying the GALS with all the gear they needed for their backpacking trip. With the help from our community we are able to provide the GALS with all needed gear for free!

07/25/2026

Getting ready for GALS 2026! 👏👏👏

07/01/2026

Help us out! The GALS Program borrows most of its camping gear and clothing from the Grand Rapids Gear Library. However, there are a few items they cannot provide, and we hope our community can help fill the gap.

If you are able, please consider purchasing an item from our wish list by July 10th (link in bio!). Your support helps ensure that every participant can fully experience this free, two‑week backpacking and science program.

02/19/2026

Woman of The Month & Black History Month Highlight: Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai was born on April 1, 1940, in Nyeri, Kenya. She was a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, widely recognized for linking environmental conservation with human rights and democracy. She earned a BA in biology from Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College) in Kansas, an MS in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, and later became the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a PhD, which she received from the University of Nairobi.

Her academic achievements alone broke racial and gender barriers for Black women in science.

Maathai began her career as a professor of veterinary anatomy and later became deeply involved in environmental and social activism. In 1977, she founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization focused on environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and community development through tree planting. The movement led to the planting of millions of trees across Kenya while also promoting sustainable livelihoods and civic engagement. In 2004, Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She died on September 25, 2011, leaving a lasting global legacy as a pioneer of environmental justice and activism.

02/18/2026

🌟 GALS Michigan Applications Are Open! 🌟
Know a high school student who loves science, the outdoors, or trying something new? The GALS program is now accepting applications for Summer 2026!

📅 Applications are due March 2, 2026 📅

Thank you for helping us spread the word. Your support truly helps us reach young people who could benefit from this empowering, hands‑on STEM and outdoor leadership experience.

💚 Share widely and encourage a student to apply today! 💚

01/14/2026

It’s time — GALS applications are LIVE!
Open to all high school students, this standout program helps young people grow, lead, and shine. All are welcome to apply.
📅 Apply by March 2, 2026!
Start here: https://galsmi.weebly.com/

~student leadership empowerment
~learn science hands-on
~backpacking through the wilderness

01/12/2026

Calling all future leaders — GALS is accepting applications!
Learn more or apply today: https://galsmi.weebly.com/

leadership skills for girls

community mentorship programs

youth empowerment spaces

12/03/2025

🚀 The 2025 GALS Summer Science Program is now open!
📅 Apply Dec 1 – Mar 2

GALS is a free, hands-on summer science program for high school students across Michigan. The program supports students historically underrepresented in STEM, and all students are welcome to apply.

Participants spend two weeks in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula doing real field-based science with MSU researchers. No GPA requirements—just an interest in learning through experience.

🔗 Program & application: galsmi.weebly.com
📰 First-year program blog: kbs.msu.edu/2025/10/gals-program-first-year/

10/17/2025

From bogs to bluffs, these girls hiked, camped, and explored STEM like pros! Discover the stories from KBS’s inaugural GALS expedition.
Dive in: https://www.kbs.msu.edu/2025/10/gals-program-first-year/

Summer 2025 marked the first year of KBS hosting GALS, is a free, summer science program that empowers high school students through hands-on STEM learning, leadership development, and immersive backcountry experiences.