STEM Camp For Middle School Girls Helps Keep Focus On Science, Math

ROCHESTER HILLS (WWJ) - STEM is cool. That's the message being sent to middle school girls this week at a program, called "University of Life," at Oakland University.

Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of the Michigan Women's Foundation, is sponsoring the University of Life Program.

"These young girls in 4th, 5th and 6th grade often are a pace ahead of the boys in everything - from STEM education - from math, science but by the time they get to high school they have begun to lag behind," says Cassin. "That was very problematic to us and so about five years ago we really took on this program and it's been just a great success.

"Many of them just don't have anyone in their family in those careers -- so this just gives them an exposure and you'd just be amazed at how facile and good these young ladies are -- and how quickly they catch on. Before they know it's not cool then they really embrace it and they do a really great job."

More than 60 girls are living on campus, and receiving week-long programming on STEM Education, Career Development and Leadership.

More about the University of Life Program [here].