Girls Incorporated of Pinellas makes sure our girls know that STEM is for them by providing STEM education specifically for girls. Why? Because in an increasingly complex 21st century labor market, STEM skills are critical assets, and this is an area where our country has fallen far behind. We do not have enough skilled workers to fill in–demand and lucrative STEM positions, putting us at risk economically, reducing our global leadership, and saddling us with a sizeable competitive disadvantage…and it is not solely at the national level where we feel the repercussions. Our local economy is hindered by a lack of STEM-literate workers and we simply cannot afford to dismiss 50% of our future workforce when it comes to STEM.
It is incumbent on Pinellas to reach out to girls to encourage them to pursue STEM education and careers. For years, the Girls Inc Afterschool Academy and Operation SMART Summer Camp have been doing just that. At Girls Inc, hundreds of girls have learned to think like scientists, to explore the scientific method, have conducted experiments and had the opportunity to peer into microscopes or explore the universe through telescopes. Their scientific curiosity has been aroused, their critical thinking sparked, and imaginations ignited. They have begun to believe that STEM can be for them.
Girls Inc’s unique pipeline for developing future female STEM professionals is about to be enhanced. The agency is announcing the formation of its first STEM Advisory Committee, and is currently recruiting community stakeholders, civic leaders, STEM professionals, educational specialists, and business leaders to join the team.
The STEM Advisory Committee’s mission is to:
- Expand the STEM programs at Girls Inc through the engagement of the technology community
- Promote the Girls Inc STEM program as an important pipeline in encouraging STEM careers for girls and women
- Leverage community resources to enhance the Girls Inc STEM program- professional, financial, educational, material
Individuals wanting to help Pinellas excel in STEM education for girls are encouraged to consider joining the committee. Please contact Sue Olsen at 727 544-6230 ext 112 for more information and visit our website at www.girlsinc-pinellas.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sue Olsen
544-6230 ext 112
www.girlsinc-pinellas.org
Twitter: Girls Inc Pinellas @GirlsIncPin
SOURCE: Girls Inc of Pinellas
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