STEM conference hopes to guide girls down different career paths
For many girls, a career in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field is something that they may not have had many opportunities to explore.
Stephanie Wang, a student at Peters Township High School, is hoping to change that with an event she has organized.
The Girls In STEM Conference is a free program that will take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Upper St. Clair Library. The event will feature lectures from phenomenal women working in STEM fields with companies such as ATI, Comcast, Range Resources and Highmark. A variety of different topics will be discussed, such as the tasks involved with each profession and the challenges of being a woman in the STEM world. A special keynote speaker from Carnegie Mellon University, Ayana Ledford, will also be present at the conference to talk about her project PROGRESS, which focuses on how to overcome gender bias in the workforce through negotiation.
Following the lectures, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with each speaker, as well as take part in one-of-a-kind activities. Girls will form small groups and work with each other to solve a problem pitched to each group within 15-20 minutes. Each group will then present their solution to everyone.
“The purpose of this event is to empower girls of our community to pursue a STEM career. I’m also hoping that through this conference, girls will become more confident in the classroom, and years later, in the workforce. If this program can encourage more girls to go into a STEM field, then I know it was a success,” Wang said.
To sign up or to request more information, email GirlsInSTEMConference@gmail.com. Space is limited.
Julianna Chen is a freshman at Peters Township High School.