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SMWC Workshops Targets Girls for Math and Science Exploration

News | 10.05.2016

A day of hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will be offered at the Expanding Your Horizons event for middle school girls. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will host this day of energy and enthusiasm on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 9 a.m.- 3p.m. Through exciting and interactive workshops,

participants learn that studying STEM can be fun. The conference nurtures girls’ interest in science and math courses to inspire them to consider careers in STEM.

Nine workshops lead by local female mathematicians, engineers and scientists offer topics on chemistry, computer coding, horse anatomy, robotics and more.  These professionals will also relate how they use math and science in their careers.

Keynote speaker, Robyn King, serves as the WTWO/WAWV morning and midday meteorologist. At an early age, she had a passion for weather. King graduated from the University of South Alabama majoring in meteorology with a minor in math.

STEM careers are in high demand. However, women graduates in STEM fields are underrepresented. According to the National Science and Engineering Indicators, women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but only 29 percent of the science and engineering workforce.

The Expanding Your Horizons workshops encourages and motives girls to pursue their interest in STEM careers.  The fostering of math and science at an early age piques their interest and expand girls’ knowledge and ability.