Only 29% of the STEM workforce is made up of women. Many of these women have kept their passion for their work since high school or since they were very young. Staying so interested in something requires a lot of support that isn’t accessible to everyone.
STEM is a very competitive, male-dominated field. Gender diversity in any field of work greatly improves it. Offering new perspectives and life experiences enhances the problem-solving and creativity abilities of a team. In order to achieve this, we need confident and passionate young women to overcome any obstacles they may face.
For many young women, not having a role model or an inspiration can be severely discouraging in pursuing a career. It could be public figures like Jane Goodall and Katherine Johnson. Or she could be in your family. Seeing that representation powers a drive to accomplish goals.
Arcata High senior Kylie Robinson’s inspiration is her mother. Watching her work as a veterinarian, Robinson primarily saw women working in science, “I didn’t know there weren’t a lot of women in STEM until later,” Robinson said. Seeing women as the norm greatly shaped Robinson’s confidence in exploring her interest in biology and studying women’s health.
This support is key, and finding internships and programs that highlight young women’s abilities and help them grow is also crucial to maintaining career confidence.
Girls applying for STEM degrees in college this year benefit deeply from these experiences. Gaining experience doesn’t just come from an internship, though.
Last spring, Arcata High senior Anna McLaughlin participated in the Kinetic Sculpture Race to better her engineering skills. While still in high school, McLaughlin is focused on her goal of being a mechanical engineer, taking many AP classes and applying to colleges with her interests in mind.
McLaughlin encourages girls to explore STEM careers. “It’s always been a male-dominated field, and I feel like getting more ideas out there can really help diversify and help us get new technology,” McLaughlin said.
Women have always been a power in the STEM world. Seemingly simple inventions like the first windshield wiper developed by Mary Anderson had a permanent impact on cars.
One of the world’s youngest STEM figures, Tilly Lockey, co-developed the Hero Arm. Her input had completely changed the functional prosthetic game.
It is essential for young women interested in STEM to keep their interest. They need support and encouragement, or else the Women in STEM movement dies. Women have been working for a very long time to be recognized for their efforts. The cycle needs to continue.
