Girlstart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), has been named the first US recipient of the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award, earning a €100,000 (over $117,000) donation from Allwyn and Formula 1.

The award was presented at the FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2025, recognizing Girlstart’s impactful role in bringing STEM opportunities to girls from marginalized communities.

Expanding STEM opportunities for girls

Based in Austin — the home of the US Grand Prix — Girlstart runs innovative out-of-school programs led entirely by female mentors, aiming to inspire girls from all backgrounds to explore STEM fields. While women account for just 34% of college-educated STEM workers in the US, with less than 10% being women of color, Girlstart has worked for years to help close that gap.

Each year, the organization reaches more than 1,800 girls aged 9 to 14 in Texas through immersive camps, conferences, and hands-on workshops. Its partnership with Formula 1 has brought students closer to the world of motorsport, from coding robots to exclusive pit lane and engineering tours at the Circuit of the Americas.

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This race weekend, Girlstart is engaging young participants through creative activities such as trophy design, where girls will craft their own F1 trophies to be judged by drivers, and a special on-track relay alongside athletes and engineers.

Over the next 12 months, Allwyn’s €100,000 donation will support Girlstart’s 33 after-school STEM programs, 16 summer camps, and the Austin Girls in STEM conference, enabling the organization to reach more than 1,250 girls in Central Texas.

A shared commitment to community impact

Launched this year, the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award celebrates local initiatives that create lasting social impact in their respective communities. A total of four programs around the world will be honored during the 2025 season, with each receiving a €100,000 grant.

Two more winners will be named at upcoming races: the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 2025 (October 24–26) and the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2025 (November 20–22). Allwyn plans to expand the program further in 2026.

Katarína Kohlmayer, Allwyn International AG board member and award judge, praised Girlstart’s impact: “Girlstart’s work in Austin, and across the US, is both significant and important. At Allwyn, we champion those who take chances—but we understand it’s easier to pursue your dreams when you have the skills, confidence, and role models to guide you. Girlstart does this brilliantly.”

Ellen Jones, Formula 1’s Head of ESG, added: “At Formula 1, we are driven by a constant ambition to inspire the next generation and open access to our sport. Girlstart is a great initiative that gives young women the tools and inspiration to pursue their dreams in STEM and motorsport.”

Shane Woods of Girlstart expressed gratitude for the support: “We envision a future where any girl believes she has the power to change the world through STEM. Allwyn’s donation will make such a difference, ensuring we have the supplies, staff, and training to reach even more girls over the next year.”