Play Like a Girl

What Play Like a Girl does

Play Like a Girl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, that provides sports-based STEM education, mentorship, and leadership programming to middle school girls ages 9-13, with a continuous pipeline extending into HBCU STEM scholarships for African American women. The organization operates a portfolio of free programs including mentorship matching with women STEM professionals, hands-on STEM workshops and corporate field trips (Amazon, Walmart, Dell, Stryker, etc.), the AI Leadership Lab (a virtual summer program launched July 2026 teaching AI fundamentals to grades 8-12), Girls in Aviation Day, signature events (Social Impact Summit, Honors Gala, Summer Social, golf events), and an annual HBCU STEM Scholarship awarding up to five $5,000 grants.

The business model is donor-funded: revenue streams include individual donations (monthly giving and one-time campaigns), corporate sponsorships and in-kind support from a portfolio of 30+ partners (Walmart, Google, Nike, Target, Dell, Stryker, Salesforce, GM, Accenture, NFLPA, LPGA, Athletes Unlimited, and others), event fundraising, and donor-restricted scholarship funds. Programs are delivered free to participants through corporate partner sites, school partnerships, virtual platforms (notably the AI Leadership Lab), and community events, with the Target Circle Community Giving Program providing cause-marketing distribution across 15 markets in 35 states. Play Like a Girl holds the registered trademark Play Like a Girl!® (USPTO Serial No. 85468329), a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, and EIN 33-1149207. The organization is founder-led by Dr. Kimberly Clay, supported by a volunteer board including Dr. Kristen Sharp, and operates with a 1-10 person staff supplemented by corporate volunteers and a mentor network.

Name

Play Like a Girl

Legal name

Play Like a Girl

Website

https://iplaylikeagirl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Play Like a Girl is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free sports-based STEM education, mentorship, and leadership programming to middle school girls, supplemented by HBCU STEM scholarships and an AI Leadership Lab.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth STEM Education and Mentoring Services

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

STEM & Maker Education (Makerspaces, Coding Clubs, Robotics) (EDAAAFAL)

Keywords

• Girls stem mentoring
• Youth stem education
• Girls mentorship programs
• Nonprofit stem initiatives
• Women in stem

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Primary revenue stream from individual donors supporting the mission. The organization runs monthly giving programs and one-time donation campaigns to fund STEM programming, mentorship, and scholarships.
2. Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships: Corporate partners provide financial support, employee volunteers, and in-kind resources. Partners like Target, Amazon, Walmart, Google, Nike, and others sponsor programs, events, and provide employee engagement opportunities.
3. Scholarship Program: Awards annual scholarships to African American women pursuing STEM degrees at HBCUs. Funded through donor-restricted funds and named scholarship endowments like the Dr. Stephanie Hightower Memorial Scholarship.
4. Events: Revenue-generating events including Summer Social, Honors Gala, Golf events, and community fundraisers. Events feature corporate partners and generate donations while building community engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Play Like a Girl delivers free sports-based STEM education, mentorship, and leadership programs to middle school girls ages 9-13, pairing them with women STEM role models through in-person workshops, corporate field trips, mentorship pairings, and signature events. The organization also awards annual $5,000 scholarships to African American women pursuing STEM degrees at HBCUs and operates virtual programs such as the AI Leadership Lab for high school students.

Product overview

Play Like a Girl is a nonprofit mentoring organization offering a portfolio of programs designed to inspire girls to pursue STEM careers. The core offerings include the AI Leadership Lab (virtual summer program teaching AI fundamentals and responsible design), the Play Like a Girl Scholarship (funding for African American women at HBCUs), mentorship programs connecting girls with women role models, STEM workshops and corporate field trips, and signature events combining sports and STEM activities. Programs are designed for middle school girls (ages 9-13) and high school students, focusing on building confidence through the intersection of athletics and STEM education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AI Leadership Lab A free virtual summer program where girls entering 8th through 12th grade learn how artificial intelligence is shaping the world, explore responsible AI use, and design their own AI-powered solutions to challenges facing girls in STEM. Delivered virtually via video conferencing and supported by women mentors from partner technology companies.
• Play Like a Girl Scholarship Program Annual scholarship program awarding $5,000 non-renewable scholarships to African American women pursuing undergraduate or graduate STEM degrees at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Up to 5 awards are granted per year and recipients gain access to a mentor network, professional development, and ambassador opportunities.
• Mentorship Programs Programs connecting middle school girls with inspiring women role models and mentors in STEM fields, providing guidance toward STEM careers and leadership development.
• STEM Workshops and Field Trips Hands-on STEM activities, corporate field trips, and interactive workshops that connect middle school girls with real-world STEM applications and career exposure.
• Signature Events (Social Impact Summit, Honors Gala, Summer Social, Golf, Holiday Huddle) Recurring events including the Social Impact Summit, Honors Gala, Summer Social, Golf events, Holiday Huddle, and community field days that combine sports, STEM, and leadership activities while generating donations and community engagement.
• Girls in Aviation Day Hands-on experience introducing girls ages 8-17 to aviation and aerospace through STEM activities, aircraft experiences, and conversations with industry women.

Quantifiable outcome

• Women earn only 36% of undergraduate STEM degrees
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Black Girl FitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2026Wellness organization hosting Epic Fit Fest 2026 at Dallas Cowboys headquarters. Play Like a Girl is official charity partner with complimentary access for girls to fitness experiences, leadership conversations, and community celebration.
• Merry-Go-MahjongminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2026Mahjong instruction partner for community event teaching American Mahjong to Play Like a Girl families.
• Biscuit LoveminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2026Nashville restaurant hosting Play Mahjong Like A Girl community event for families.
• Gigi PipminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 July 2026Women-owned hat accessories brand hosting fundraising pop-up event. 10% of proceeds support Play Like a Girl programming.
• WalmartcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor corporate sponsor providing financial support and employee volunteer engagement for girls' STEM and sports programming.
• GooglecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology partner supporting STEM education initiatives through employee volunteers and programmatic funding.
• NikecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSports partner supporting athletic programming and brand partnerships for girls' empowerment initiatives.
• TargetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured nonprofit in Target Circle Community Giving Program enabling shoppers to vote for Play Like a Girl to unlock charitable funding across 15 U.S. markets.
• Dell TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing employee volunteers and STEM program support for girls' technology education.
• StrykercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedical technology company partner supporting STEM education and healthcare career exposure programs.
• NFLPA (National Football League Players Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for sports-related programming, athlete engagement, and career exposure events for girls.
• U.S. BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services partner sponsoring Social Impact Summit and corporate volunteer programs for Play Like a Girl.
• AccenturecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional services partner providing employee volunteers and STEM mentorship programming support.
• LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGolf partner for LPGA Girls Golf program supporting girls' athletic and STEM development through sports.
• Athletes UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen professional sports league partner for AU Causes initiative bringing athletes together with Play Like a Girl programming.
• Nashville PredatorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNHL hockey team partner hosting community events and sports programming for Nashville-area girls.
• Tennessee TitanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFL team partner supporting community programming and stadium events for girls' empowerment.
• SalesforcecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology partner supporting STEM education and providing employee volunteer opportunities.
• PepsiCominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage and food company partner supporting events and programming.
• GM (General Motors)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAutomotive partner supporting STEM education and automotive technology career exposure.
• MGM ResortsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHospitality partner supporting events and community programming.
• Gilead SciencesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPharmaceutical partner supporting healthcare and STEM programming.
• KrogerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrocery retailer partner supporting community events and fundraising.
• IndyCarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotorsports partner supporting STEM education through racing technology and engineering career exposure.
• NASCARminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotorsports partner supporting STEM programming through racing technology and engineering.
• USA SoccerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSoccer governing body partner supporting athletic programming for girls.
• GEN (Girls Entertainment Network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment network partner supporting girls' media and entertainment career exposure.
• Birmingham" source_id="minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner supporting sports and active lifestyle programming for girls.
• Nashville SoundsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinor league baseball team partner hosting community events at stadium.
• Nashville SCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLS soccer team partner supporting community programming.
• Academy Sports + OutdoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports retailer partner supporting athletic programming and equipment donations.
• GatorademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage brand partner supporting athletic programming and hydration education.
• CatchafireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer matching platform partner connecting skilled volunteers with Play Like a Girl needs.
• GoodstackminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate giving platform partner supporting donation and cause marketing programs.
• Taproot FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPro bono service partner connecting skilled professionals with nonprofit capacity building.
• SiriusXMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSatellite radio partner supporting programming and media outreach.
• Firestone Complete Auto CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutomotive service partner supporting community events and programming.
• Wells FargominorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services partner supporting community development and STEM programming.
• CoreCivicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorrections and government services partner supporting community engagement.
• MyCauseMyCleatsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharitable cleats program partner for athlete-driven fundraising campaigns.
• RCX SportsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports equipment and programming partner for flag football and athletic initiatives.
• NWHL (Premier Hockey Federation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's professional hockey league partner supporting hockey and STEM programming.
• 2K GamesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVideo game publisher partner supporting gaming and technology career exposure.
• Various Tech CompaniescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology companies providing women mentors for AI Leadership Lab program helping girls explore AI careers and develop workforce readiness skills.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Girlstart: Nonprofit providing year-round STEM education programs for girls K-12 with similar mission of empowering girls through STEM. Comparable program structure, age range, and nonprofit funding model.
• Black Girls Code: Nonprofit focused on providing technology education to Black girls ages 7-17. Highly comparable given Play Like a Girl's HBCU scholarship focus targeting African American women and similar demographic of underrepresented girls in STEM.
• Girls Who Code: National nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by educating and equipping girls with computing skills. Directly comparable as a girls-focused STEM education nonprofit with similar corporate sponsorship model and national program delivery.
• STEM For Her: Nonprofit focused on advancing STEM education for girls and women through grant programs, mentorship, and awareness. Similar donor-funded model targeting gender gap in STEM with scholarship and mentorship offerings.
• Technovation: Nonprofit running technology entrepreneurship programs for girls globally. Comparable as a girls-in-tech education nonprofit with similar mentorship and skill-building curriculum approach.

Broad incumbents

• STEM Next Opportunity Fund: Fund focused on expanding STEM opportunities for young people especially underrepresented groups. Comparable mission of advancing STEM equity with corporate partner relationships and program funding model.
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Largest organization advocating for women in engineering with K-12 outreach programs. Comparable STEM-girls pipeline focus but with a much larger scope across professional women and engineering disciplines.
• Million Women Mentors: National initiative to engage women mentors in STEM fields for girls. Comparable mentorship mission and corporate sponsorship model, but operates at a broader national coordination level rather than direct program delivery.
• National Girls Collaborative Project: National platform connecting STEM programs serving girls. Comparable mission to advance girls in STEM but functions primarily as a collaboration network rather than direct program delivery organization.

Emerging players

• Wogrammer: Nonprofit dedicated to highlighting women in technology and inspiring girls to pursue tech careers. Comparable girls-in-tech storytelling mission but focused more on media/content than direct program delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/iplaylikeagirl
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@PlayLikeaGirlTM
• Facebookfacebook.com/iplaylikeagirl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/play-like-a-girl
• Instagraminstagram.com/iplaylikeagirl

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Play Like a Girl