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Special Agents of Δ Academy

Friday 7:45 - 8:15 Session: T24 3rd - 8th Level Richland C Room

Changing the Face of STEM

Many girls, especially middle schoolers, think STEM is for boys because they have

not had enough exposure to individuals that work in these careers. Girls do not feel

confident leading group activities or do not think mathematics is their strength.

Females such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Murray Hopper, and Katherine Johnson were
top mathematicians, but many girls have never heard their names. These areas of

need brought about the planning for a Girl Power event. In 2019 the first Girl Power

event was held at Oakbrook Middle providing the opportunity for 63 girls grades

4th - 8th to participate in STEM activities with women from the STEM community.

The girls were exposed to lessons in Aerospace, Computer Science, Problem Solving
and Design while learning about careers in these fields. During this session, you will

learn how to host your own Girl Power or Girls of STEM event. You will learn

strategies for encouraging girls in problem solving and ways to expose girls to role

models in the STEM field. You will also learn how grants through the Dorchester

Education Foundation and Bosch are providing supplies and opportunities for future
Girl Powered events. You will learn about organizations that will provide mentors for

your event. Hosting events like this will help boost the number of girls enrolled in

STEM classes and allow them to see themselves in STEM careers. Early exposure is

key to helping diversify the workplace. Strategies shared in this session can be used

with a club, an afterschool group, a Saturday program or during a PTA/PSTA event..

Amy Baldwin

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