How to Get Girls Engaged in STEM
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is February 23! Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have made important contributions like building the early foundation of modern programming, impacting our space travel, and improving our medical system. However, women have always been underrepresented within the STEM community. In 1970, 8% of the STEM workforce consisted of women and it has only increased to a mere 27% in 2019. This lack of representation will continue to affect the interest of girls in STEM until the gender gap closes. Without the proper role models and diversity within STEM, gender stereotypes will continue to grow. Here are some ways to get girls engaged in STEM with TryEngineering:
Avoid Stereotyping Activities
Avoid stereotyping activities and tasks when teaching girls to problem solve (e.g. Girls can code computer games and build robots). In computer science programming, use examples that show how STEM activities can benefit society.
Check out the beautiful WIE Top Tips for Delivering STEM Activities to Girls Infographic. It has ten important tips to consider. Visit IEEE WIE Star to learn more.
Explore career opportunities!
Scout the different fields within engineering to discover the right fit. Each career takes a deeper dive into the job descriptions allowing you to get a full scope of the career path!
Hands on activities!
Dive into TryEngineering’s activities to activate STEM skills that will stay with her throughout her years in school. Our hands-on activities will have her thinking like the scientist she is!
Sit in on virtual events!
There are tons of events hosted for girls in STEM! Check out our TryEngineering Tuesday on-demand webinar created for girls interested in STEM and other linked programs and resources.
Get inspired!
Learn and read about programs and articles meant to spark inspiration. The TryEngineering Summer Institute is an engineering camp with the goal to spark enthusiasm in engineering and technology in the next generation of problem solvers and difference makers.
This exposure to STEM opportunities is crucial to the advancement of the community. When girls are deprived of these opportunities, it means there are fewer experts with unique backgrounds to help solve major problems that threaten society. Learn more about our resources for girls interested in STEM here:
