More than 120 students from high schools throughout New Jersey attended a day of hands-on workshops designed to engage girls in the broad opportunities available in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at Georgian Court University on May 30. The American Association of University Women of New Jersey (AAUW NJ) sponsors Teentech to encourage girls to pursue a STEM education in high school and college so that they will be prepared for jobs in fast-growing industries that generally pay more than jobs traditionally held by women.
The students worked in small groups, based on their interests, in workshops presented by the university faculty and assistants. Workshop topics included:
· Aeronautics
· Science reporting
· Environmental science
· Food science
· High-tech medicine
· Practical use of statistics
Creating a Pipeline for Future Success
“At Georgian Court, we proudly encourage young women to explore STEM degrees and related majors that position them for success as science, math, and technology educators, too,” said GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D.
“Growing the number of women in STEM careers requires us to become early investors in their future. By partnering with AAUW NJ, we are building a pipeline of talent and ensuring girls have access to academic and hands-on research experiences—experiences that nurture their interest in STEM professions.”
Participating high schools at Georgian Court University on May 30 were: Camden Academy Charter High School; Churchill Junior High School, East Brunswick; Essex County Schools of Technology North 13th St. (Newark); Manalapan High School; Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School; Timber Creek High School, Erial.
Teentech Tackles the Problem
According to Karen Brown, AAUW NJ’s project director for Teentech, “There are many reasons women are still underrepresented in STEM careers, but AAUW research shows that one way this can be changed is by actively countering stereotypes. AAUW NJ organizes events such as Teentech to give girls the chance to experience, ‘I can do this! I can work in a college lab, with computers, with math, it’s fun and rewarding.’ We are grateful to Georgian Court University for providing the resources of the campus, staff, and faculty to bring this opportunity to so many young women.”
Teentech supporters recognize that women are still underrepresented in STEM careers, and they support the position that diversity in the workforce is important because diversity contributes to creativity, productivity, and innovation.
Margaret Lyons, P.E., director of RF engineering, V-COMM, LLC, and IEEE NJ Coast WIE vice chair, believes it’s important for the students and educators to know about the many pathways to STEM careers.
This year, AAUW NJ sponsored three Teentech events, including Teentech Newark 2018 at Bloomfield College in Bloomfield on May 22, and Teentech 2018 at Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing on May 23.
View photos from the GCU Teentech event.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide organization whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our 170,000 members and supporters span local and virtual communities, cities, and college campuses. On campuses, we foster the next generation of women in leadership and in the workplace. After graduation, we mentor, fund, and support educational and professional development. From college through career and beyond, we’re working to change the future. Website: www.aauw.org AAUW NJ Web site: www.aauwnj.org
