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We have a growing nationwide STEM gender gap. Consider the following
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There has been a steep decline in the number of female graduates with computer science degrees over the past three decades.
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National surveys find that nearly two-thirds of teenagers said they may be discouraged from pursuing STEM careers simply because they don't know anyone in these fields or they don't understand what people in these fields do.
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Student interest in eighth grade, more so than achievement, has been found to be the strongest predictor of a student graduating with a STEM major in colleg
According to stemconnector.com, “The window for kids’ receptivity to STEM topics sometimes closes early. A solution to the Michigan’s STEM pipeline problem is to take action given known gender and ethnicity differences in STEM education. Early identification and mentoring by parents, families, civic groups and teachers can encourage early STEM success by students.”
Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes addresses this issue with the JA Girls’ Dream Fair event. This event will inspire hundreds of middle school girls in the greater Grand Rapids area, with priority given to those who qualify for free or reduced lunch and may be first generation college graduates. In a one day format, JA will introduce these girls to women mentors who work in STEM-related fields and show them the exciting possibilities for their future. Guided by the JA It's My Future curriculum, girls will investigate, ask questions, and be inspired to consider STEM for their future. The day also features keynote speakers, a vendor fair, catered lunch, prize drawings and swag bags.
This year’s event will be held at Spectrum Health Hospital (Butterworth) on February 13, 2018. The event runs from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will be hosted by Maranda from WOOD TV. Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event! Email Jay Ediger at [email protected] to learn how to sponsor a student.
About Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes, Inc.
Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes is the nation’s 18th largest JA chapter and an area office of JA USA, the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. The organization offers programs to help prepare young people in Mid, West, and North Michigan for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and are empowered to own their economic success.
Visit www.westmichigan.ja.org for more information.
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