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Five Tips for Encouraging Girls to Enter STEM Fields 74% of teen girls are interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects…but less than 20% end up in STEM careers. What can you do, as a parent, to change that statistic? Tip 1: Girls are interested in STEM! Talk to them like they are. This is the obvious one. Encourage your girls to take part in science opportunities. Don't tell them that girls aren't good at math. Don't buy the Barbie that says "Math is tough." Tip 2: Get girls involved in activities that encourage them to experiment and problem solve. The Girl Scout Research Institute says that 85 percent of girls like to solve problems, 67 percent like to build things and put things together, and 83 percent like to do hands-on science projects. Adults should encourage these interests; help them grow a garden, look at things under a microscope, measure ingredients for a cake. Tip 3: Educate girls about STEM careers Girls say they don't know a lot about STEM careers. Many girls want to make the world a better place and help people, but they may not understand how STEM careers help people. 88 percent want to make a difference in the world, but only 13 percent name a first-choice career in STEM fields. They don't understand what engineering actually is, and many don't know the full range of career possibilities. Tip 4: Expose girls to experts and mentors in STEM fields. Exposing girls to people with careers in STEM is beneficial to them; they're able to observe first-hand what these careers are and what they offer. of girls not interested in STEM. interested in STEM know someone in a STEM career, compared to 47 percent 66 percent of girls Tip 5: Develop girls' confidence and their inner resumes so they will have what it takes to become STEM experts. Foster internal assets, such as confidence, self-esteem, initiative and work ethic. Girls do just as well in math and science as boys do, but their confidence in their math and science abilities is lower than boys. When girls feel capable and confident in their abilities, they're more likely to challenge themselves and overcome any obstacles along the way. Internal assets are just as important as experience, exposure, and education. Take Action: 1. If you are aware of a science education opportunity for girls in the area, be sure to contact Mary Garber at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's STEM 16 Committee, a division of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce's Technology and Innovation Council, is working hard to put together a complete list of science and technology education opportunities available to the Fredericksburg community. The committee recently won the Virginia Department Excellence Industry Award award 2012 of annual STEM Summit, which showcased STEM projects prepared by students of Planning District 16. Stefanyshyn-Piper, recognized year's first at the Naval Surface space shuttle missions. State Business and of Recognition. The last Education's Creating (Carderock Division), spoke about serving on two NASA Capt. Heidemarie USN, commander Warfare Center 2. Sign up your 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th grade Biology, Advanced Physics, Electrical Engineering and a mini- med school will be offered in Germanna Community College's Biology, Chemistry, Forensic laboratories at the Fredericksburg campus. Germanna offers an associate degree in engineering with the ability to transfer to Virginia Tech, as well as many science classes in the newly built Science and Engineering Building. state-of-the-art 3.Check out Engineering for Kids at www.engineeringforkids.org Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to kids ages challenging way through classes, camps, clubs and parties. We are proud to inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning. Engineering is, after all, one of the fastest growing industries in the world! 4 to 14 in a fun and 4. Tour Lighthouse Academy's new shop class featuring small engine repair and other technology skills. LAFkids.org 5. Take a look at Stafford County' Schools Science and Technology Academies (STAT) www.fredericksburgparent.NET 37 class. Go to www.fredericksburgparent. net girl for a Science Saturday's to register. This year,