Nancy Scales Coddington

About Nancy Scales Coddington

I help organizations build STEM programs where young people don’t just participate, they develop lasting STEM identity.For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of science, media, and youth development. My work centers on a critical shift in the field: STEM success isn’t only about what students learn — it’s about WHO they believe they are while learning it.Building on established STEM identity research, I developed a practical, field-tested professional development model organized around four pillars: Belonging, Capability, Connection, and Creativity. I partner with national education networks and industry leaders to operationalize identity-centered practices across programs, teams, and systems.My professional development supports: • Systems-level shifts that strengthen retention and engagement • Leadership coaching for STEM teams and role models • Identity-informed program design • Workforce-aligned youth engagement strategy • Science communication for educators and industry professionalsBefore launching my consulting work, I spent 15+ years producing award-winning science content for PBS/NPR affiliates, hosting podcasts, advising on national STEM and PBS KIDS programming, and training educators nationwide. Translating complex research into accessible, high-impact storytelling now shapes every professional development experience I design — clear, strategic, and immediately actionable.I also design experiential STEM workshops that serve as applied laboratories for identity-centered learning. My wearable technology programs fuse circuitry, design, and storytelling to help students build confidence, creativity, and technical capability simultaneously demonstrating how belonging and innovation can coexist in STEM environments.This interdisciplinary approach allows organizations to align strategy with visibility, ensuring STEM initiatives are not only effective, but culturally relevant and compelling.If you are leading a national network, workforce initiative, or education program and want identity-centered strategy embedded into your work, let’s connect.

Experience

1. Scigirls Trainer

   Twin Cities PBS

   May 2013 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   As a nationally trained and certified SciGirls trainer, I offer gender-equitable STEM opportunities for girls aged 8-13. I have conducted national trainings for educators, after-school providers, and classroom teachers, using the SciGirls Strategies to engage girls in science and engineering effectively. These research-based strategies dismantle gender and cultural barriers, encouraging hands-on investigations and role models to spark exploration. I\'ve collaborated with schools and after-school programs to implement SciGirls programming, impacting numerous girls and educators. Additionally, I provide training to science and engineering role models, equipping them with best practices and collaboration techniques to engage youth effectively. Bridging the gap for girls and inspiring them to pursue STEM careers is vital, and I\'ve also participated in the SciGirls CODE training, an intensive pilot program aimed at encouraging girls to venture into computer programming careers through inquiry-based programming.

Education

• SUNY Empire State College

  Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)

• SUNY Cortland

  Elementary Education and Teaching

• Broome Community College

  Associate’s Degree

Skills

• Science
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Marketing
• Nonprofits
• Event Management
• Facebook
• Grants
• Management
• Program Development
• Editing
• Social Networking
• Science Education
• Staff Development
• Event Planning
• Project Management
• Social Media
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Education
• Non-Profits
• Creative Content Production
• Educational Leadership
• Grant Management
• Microsoft Office
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Strategic Planning
• Teaching
• Public Relations
• Proposal Writing
• Public Policy
• Microsoft Word
• Fundraising
• Volunteer Management
• Public Speaking