Each day, women are making strides across fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Historically, these Women in STEM have gone unrecognized, preventing young women from having access to role models who look like them. To change that, we have to start creating that representation.
Young women should be able to see someone who looks like them succeeding in the professional world. This creates STEM identity, which is the power of representation and sense of belonging creating purpose and sense of worth in associated fields. This can benefit future generations as more people feel comfortable to explore their interests. The Women in STEM project aims to demonstrate that there is no one “face of STEM”, it is ambiguous.
Each of the branches of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are expansive. Within this project we will traverse through STEM exploring the works of many women in a variety of fields. The Science section of Women in STEM highlights careers in microbiology, ecology, organic chemistry, astrophysics, and social sciences. Technology showcases women working in architecture, information technology, and aerospace. Engineering shines a light on the work of civil, software, mechanical, environmental, and electrical engineers. Women in Math will look into the achievements of statisticians, programmers, operational researchers, and actuaries.
SciGirls learning to code Sphero bots.
The power of representation in education cannot be understated. It is so significant for young women to understand that people like them have done great things. Representation allows for a girl to feel like she belongs, whether it be in the classroom learning math or in the lab experimenting with microscopes. There are many barriers to success for women including race, religion and societal preference toward their male colleagues. There are men who have done and will do great things for STEM fields, but there are also women whom history has hidden. These standards in society need to be actively combatted, and this is what the Women in STEM project seeks to do. By increasing the visibility of both current and past women achieving greatness in STEM, young women can feel confident in their capabilities and know they belong.
Click on the these links to see highlights of our Women In STEM.
Watch the WSKG Science Instagram highlighting Women in STEM.
Produced by Julia Diana, Science Intern
Nancy Coddington, Director of Science Content
Additional Information:
National Girls Collaborative Project The vision of the National Girls Collaborative Project
(NGCP) is to bring together organizations throughout the United States that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
New York State STEAM Girls Collaborative brings together organizations throughout
New York that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).The New York State Network for Youth Success is the lead agency for the NY Collaborative.
FabFems are women from a broad range of professions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). They are passionate, collaborative, and work to make the world a better place. Many girls have similar interests but aren't connected to adults who exemplify the STEM career pathway. This is where you come in. Create a FabFems profile to expand girls' career options, dispel stereotypes and spark their interests - just by being you.
If/Then Collection -Digital library with thousands of photos, videos and other assets that
authentically represent women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The content features careers as diverse as shark tagging, fashion design, and training Olympic athletes, and nudges public perceptions in a more realistic direction that illuminates the importance of STEM everywhere.