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Did you know?

 

Why STEM?

When I selected a STEM major,  I literally had no idea what I was going to do when I started the University of Pittsburgh.    No one in my immediate family had gone to college.   Initially, I had dreams of majoring in a life science and then applying to medical school.  After a talk with my mom, she suggested engineering as a field with few women.  What was I thinking?

My Road to Chemical Engineering

I loved science so majoring in a science felt like a great fit.   While most kids have an idea of careers and what people within those careers do I was totally clueless.    Now looking back in retrospect having a mentor along the way would have helped tremendously.   From my experience as a girl in pursuit of STEM,  my best advice is to ENCOURAGE  girls to pursue STEM fields.    As a parent/caregiver, RESEARCH  on science programs offered during the school year and summer.    Also, check to see if local colleges and universities or  offer STEM programs for middle school and high school students?    Another resource I found after attending Pitt were two great organizations the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE).  These are invaluable resources for assisting girls in pursuing STEM majors and careers.

If you are a  STEM professional, be diligent in your efforts to ENCOURAGE AND MENTOR  girls who are interested in pursuing STEM majors and careers.

National Engineers Week (February 21-27)

Specifically, mark  February 25th on your calendar it is designated as Girl Day (Introduce a Girl to Engineering) during Engineers Week.  Check your local area for activities and programs!

Teza Technologies

I was asked by Teza Technologies to share information on the importance of girls in STEM as well as their efforts to provide resources for girls with STEM aspirations.    ENCOURAGE THE GIRLS IN YOUR CIRCLE!

Despite high achievements in math and science, more than half of school-aged girls don’t consider engineering as a profession. Dr. Misha Malyshev, Teza Technologies CEO, works with nonprofit organizations to provide opportunities for students, especially young women, to learn about engineering and STEM.   February 25th is Girl Day and is a chance for girls to learn about engineering careers, and to celebrate the important contributions engineers make to our world.