Girls 4 Science Continues To Inspire Young Women in STEM

Girls 4 Science, a local non-profit organization, will conduct a six-week Science of cars program to inspire girls in pursuing STEM education.

The said program is available for 10 to 18 years old.

Girls 4 Science Organization Continues To Inspire Women in STEM

In a report from ABC 7, a local non-profit organization will be conducting a free six-week program for young girls. The program named the Science of cars will be hosted by Girls 4 Science and it is open to girls aged 10 to 18.

For those who do not know, the six-week Saturday STEM Academy takes place four times a year at three different locations. The said locations are Malcolm X City College on Chicago's West Side, Olive-Harvey City College in the far south Roseland neighborhood, and the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

In terms of the topics that will be discussed, ABC 7 also reported that each six-week program focuses on a different STEM topic.

The Science of cars program will be held from April 2 to May 7, the program will take place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Girls 4 Science

For those unfamiliar, Girls 4 Science is a "non-profit organization that addresses the lack of accessible quality science programs for female youth in the Chicagoland area. We believe science exposure and increased scientific literacy will equip young women to confidently pursue STEM studies and careers."

Girls 4 Science boasts five keys for them to achieve their mission: collaboration, scientific discovery, accessibility, mentorship, and community engagement.

To emphasize their collaboration efforts, the organization also noted that they have access to premier space and resources through long-term collaborations with organizations, corporations, and individuals.

To elaborate on scientific discovery, Girls 4 Science believes that everyone must have hands-on exploration and discovery rather than just talking about science.

The organization holds free Saturday Science Academy programs on a quarterly basis accessible to girls accross the country. Participants will be able to experience continuous mentorship opportunities and access to information while also developing relationships with role models that will assist participants in their future preparation.

Girls 4 Science are also arranging community activities to raise awareness of women's accomplishments in math and science which is important since science begins with raising knowledge about women in STEM.

Similar to Girls 4 Science goal, UNESCO also conducted a forum titled "Cracking the code: Girls' and women's education in STEM" last 2017.

STEM

Since it appears that several organizations have been breaking the stigma on girls in STEM education, it is important to know what STEM is.

According to LiveScience, STEM education is a method of teaching that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM, its more recent successor, also includes the arts.

In relation to the women in STEM, Top Universities states that universities, corporations, and governments have all implemented strategies to encourage more women to pursue STEM degrees. STEM courses have traditionally been dominated by men, and young females have been discouraged from pursuing technological careers.

Studies show that only 3% of women in bachelor's degree programs go on to work in STEM fields, despite the fact that 12% of women in bachelor's degree programs will graduate with a STEM degree each year.

A salary gap exists between men and women in STEM because of this lack of gender balance.