Watch CBS News

Michigan Science Center Aims To Create More Young, Female Science And Tech Experts

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Women comprise less than 25 percent of the science, engineering, technology and math workforce -- known as STEM.

And those who do consider it as a career choice don't last long. Fifty percent of women in STEM careers drop out in the first 10 years, research shows.

Over the past five years, high school boys interest in STEM is increasing,
while girls interest in STEM is decreasing.

The gender gap in interest in STEM appears in middle school…
even while girls are still out-performing boys in math and science.

To close the gap, the Michigan Science Center is pioneering a program called STEMinista to "defy statistics and raise expectations by sparking and maintaining the interest in STEM in elementary and middle school girls."

"We aim to broaden the pipeline of the next generation of STEMinistas," the science center said in a press release. "The program will engage girls with authentic STEM experiences designed to increase their interest, confidence and skill sets in STEM.

"Through these encounters we will inspire girls to leverage their interests and skills into the STEM careers and STEMpreneurship that support their dreams and create meaningful impact in the world."

The program for girls in fourth through eighth grade includes embedded interest in and deliberate supports for underrepresented minority, economically disadvantaged, and first generation future STEMinistas. The STEMinista Project will include programming suitable for elementary, middle and early high school aged girls.

Young women in high school, undergraduate and graduate school will also be engaged through additional programming and volunteer opportunities.

Programs will include a speaker's bureau, mentorship and role model projects, and university partnerships

"The mission of The STEMinista Project … is to create an open invitation for girls to explore STEM in an engaging, challenging and reinforcing environment that provides the tools, experiences, and role models to prepare for lifelong engagement with STEM," the center said in a press release.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.