STEM is an educational approach that uses real-world applications with hands-on and minds-on lessons. STEM is an acronym that represents science, technology, engineering, and math. Providing high-quality STEM programs geared towards attracting girls has become necessary for bridging the gender gap and increasing opportunities in STEM-related occupations.
Designated STEM programs for girls can increase gender diversity, empower girls, and allow them to have higher-paying jobs in an increasingly tech-focused market. If your daughter has shown an interest in the STEM field, look into programs that can help her hone that passion into professional expertise!
Programs
The programs listed are a fraction of the STEM programs offered. It is important to research the programs to find the best fit for your child. Hopefully, these offerings will help you get started!
Seattle Girl’s School STEAM Camp
This program seeks to combat the trend of girls losing confidence in the male-dominated field of STEM. To challenge this trend, Seattle Girl’s School STEAM Camp provides project-based, real-world experiences that offer endless leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving opportunities.
USI Girls Only (GO) STEM! Camp
This girls’ camp is for middle school students in grades six through eight. It offers problem-solving experiences with cool gadgets, opportunities to make friends, and exploration of the great outdoors. If your daughter loves adventure, this is the camp for her!
Exploring Engineering for High School Women
This engineering program for sophomores, juniors, and seniors lets them learn about the design process, from brainstorming to making their idea a reality. If your daughter is starting to look at engineering as a college degree, this program is perfect!
Girl Develop It offers affordable programs for adult women wanting to learn web and software development in a judgment-free environment. That means mom can get involved, too!
Spectacles at Wesleyan College
Spectacles offers projects, experiments, and field trips that encourage middle school girls to see science and math in new and exciting ways. It also provides opportunities for girls to network with women already in math and science-related fields. For families that don’t have many connections to STEM professionals, it’s an excellent way for daughters to network.
Latinas in STEM is a program geared towards girls in K–12, and it focuses on inspiring students in underserved communities to pursue STEM careers. Their goal is to educate the girls and educate parents so that they can support their daughters.
Takeaway
There is a wide variety of quality STEM programs for girls that represent all types of interests. STEM programs must intertwine at least two of the subject areas and apply them in real-world everyday life. Another letter has been added to the acronym STEM—A for art, thus making it STEAM. Finding a suitable STEM or STEAM program that best fits the interests and beliefs of the daughter and family can guarantee a bright future full of possibilities.