Educational institutions are intensifying efforts to close widening STEM gender gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools like de Zavala Middle School recruit equal numbers of girls in early grades to sustain STEM interest. The pandemic disrupted outreach programs benefiting girls, causing setbacks in math achievement and participation. Concurrently, new programs focus on teaching emotion regulation to improve K-12 academic performance and well-being. Efforts reflect increasing attention to equitable support structures for diverse learners and the nurturing of needed skills across disciplines.