YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Girls STEM Fair
11/02/19 18:43 Filed in: Environmental Education
Girl Spring STEM FAIR Inspires
Early on a frosty Saturday morning, over a hundred teenage girls gathered for the Stem Fair presented by GirlSpring—co-hosted by AAUW Birmingham Branch and Girls Inc—at Bradley Lecture Center, Children's Hospital in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. What was the magnet that drew them out of their warm beds? Was it the pizza, the goody bags or the opportunity to meet with smart and talented women pursing successful and exciting careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)?
Early on a frosty Saturday morning, over a hundred teenage girls gathered for the Stem Fair presented by GirlSpring—co-hosted by AAUW Birmingham Branch and Girls Inc—at Bradley Lecture Center, Children's Hospital in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. What was the magnet that drew them out of their warm beds? Was it the pizza, the goody bags or the opportunity to meet with smart and talented women pursing successful and exciting careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)?
It’s a known fact that women are under represented in STEM occupations in the United States and around the world. According to the US Labor Department statistics, women hold only 16 percent of the nation's engineering jobs, 21 percent of computer programming jobs, 25 percent of math-related jobs and 38 percent of jobs in chemistry. Interestingly no gap exists in the broad biology and medical science fields where women make up more than half of the workforce. There are complex reasons for why the gender gap in STEM exists. One root of the problem seems to be fewer girls than boys choose to study STEM subjects at secondary school and university.
How can we attract more girls to STEM subjects? Research from different perspectives confirm that there is little to no difference in boys’ and girls’ average ability in STEM. This means that in order to attract more girls to study these subjects in high school and college, we need to tackle the stereotypes girls are exposed to at an early age. Most importantly, connecting successful women in STEM-related careers with girls at early age helps boost their self confidence, inspires them to pursue STEM subjects, and to STEM careers they will enjoy. Gazing at the curious teenagers, I hoped I would inspire a few girls to follow STEM careers.
The good news is that current programs focused on increasing young girls' interest in STEM are flourishing. The Girls Spring career and information Fair was a resounding (girlspring.com). Panelists and Presenters, Farah Lubin, Associate Professor and Director of NINDS Neuroscience Road Map; Alia Carter, Director of Science Engagement, Mcwane Center; Carnette Davis, Engineer (retired) GirlSpring board member; Haley Hoppe, Director of Marketing and Communications, Children Harbor; Mandy Schwarting, Regional Director, Alabama Operation, (Engineer by trade); Spire Energ; Sharnce Walker, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Emergency Department, UB Hospital and pre-med stident; Liucija Smaizyte Wright, Morgan Stanely Financial Services; Callista Cox and Haifa Abdul Aziz Khadoom, UAB Maker Space/3D Printing (sessions), and Claire Datnow, Author and Science Communicator.
Thanks to Kristen Greenwood executive director of GirlSpring, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower girls through a web-based platform and community events. When girls see women in leadership positions, whether corporate or in the political arena, it is easier to see themselves in those roles. Kristen says, “I’d like to see girls have the confidence and self-esteem to go after what they want and the knowledge to know what is available to them. I want girls to know that there are a million career options available to them, whether that be CEO, doctor, lawyer, welder, mechanic or teacher—they have the freedom to choose what they want in life.”
