The percentage of women working in science, technology, engineering, and math fields continues to remain stubbornly low. Women made up 28 percent of the STEM global workforce last year, according to the World Economic Forum.
IEEE and many other organizations conduct outreach programs targeting preuniversity girls and college-age women, and studies show that one of the most powerful ways to encourage girls to consider a STEM career is by introducing them to female role models in such fields. The exposure can provide the girls with insights, guidance, and advice on how to succeed in STEM.
To provide a venue to connect young girls with members working in STEM, IEEE partnered with the Girl Scouts of the United States of America’s Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) council and its See Her, Be Her career exploration program. Now in its eighth year, the annual event—which used to be called What a G.I.R.L. Can Be—provides an opportunity for girls to learn about STEM careers by participating in hands-on activities, playing games, and questioning professionals at the exhibits.
This year’s event was held in May at Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, N.J. Volunteers from the IEEE North Jersey Section and the IEEE Technical Activities Future Networks technical community were among the 30 exhibitors. More than 100 girls attended.
“IEEE and the Girl Scouts share a view that STEM fields require a diversity of thought, experience, and backgrounds to be able to use technology to better the world,” says IEEE Member Craig Polk, senior program manager for the technical community. He helped coordinate the See Her, Be Her event.
“We know that there’s a shortage of girls and women in STEM careers,” adds Johanna Nurjahan, girl experience manager for the Heart of New Jersey council. “We are really trying to create that pipeline, which is needed to ensure that the number of women in STEM tracks upward.”
STEM is one of four pillars
The Girl Scouts organization focuses on helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. The program is based on four pillars: life skills, outdoor skills, entrepreneurship, and STEM.
“We offer girls a wide range of experiences that empower them to take charge of their future, explore their interests, and discover the joy of learning new skills,” Nurjahan says. “As they grow and progress through the program, they continue developing and refining skills that build courage, confidence, and character—qualities that prepare them to make the world a better place. Everything we do helps lay a strong foundation for leadership.”
A fruitful collaboration
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