“Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day by championing diverse voices in STEM! At JerseySTEM, we bring hands-on programs & role models to middle school girls in NJ, closing gender gaps and inspiring tomorrow’s innovators.
#WomenInEngineeringDay #STEM” 🚀
June 23rd marks International Women in Engineering Day, a global celebration that highlights the achievements of women engineers and inspires the next generation to follow in their footsteps. Established by the UK’s Women’s Engineering Society and now supported by UNESCO, this day is about more than recognition; it’s about driving real change.
Why Representation in Engineering Matters
Engineering builds the world around us. From designing bridges to developing medical breakthroughs, innovation depends on diverse perspectives. Yet, women remain underrepresented; only 16–17% of engineers and architects in the U.S. are women, and the numbers for Black women are even lower. This lack of representation isn’t just a statistic, it’s a missed opportunity. It means solutions are built without the voices of those most impacted. For example, facial recognition software has shown bias against Black women due to exclusion in development stages. We can do better and we must.
Honoring Trailblazers, Past and Present
From Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, to Grace Hopper, a pioneer of modern computing, to Katherine Johnson, whose calculations were vital to NASA’s moon missions, women have been quietly shaping STEM for centuries. Today, women lead in every STEM field from biomedical engineering to renewable energy and robotics. Their stories prove that innovation thrives when everyone has a seat at the table.
JerseySTEM: Building the Pipeline for the Future
At JerseySTEM, we’re on a mission to close the gender and opportunity gaps in STEM especially for middle school girls in underserved New Jersey communities. Our volunteer-led, after-school programs bring STEM to life through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Each 10-week program is led by STEM-focused college students who serve as relatable role models in the classroom. These instructors are supported by professional mentors who provide training, coaching, and ongoing guidance. The curriculum is project-based and aligned with New Jersey middle school science standards to ensure both relevance and rigor.
All necessary materials such as robots, microscopes, and other lab tools are provided, and many of our programs include a fully funded field trip to extend learning beyond the classroom. Each cycle culminates in a community showcase, where students proudly present their projects to families, friends, and educators, celebrating their creativity and growth.
Join the Celebration
Let’s celebrate Women in Engineering Day by creating space for more girls to see themselves in STEM. At JerseySTEM, we’re not just recognizing women engineers, we’re building the next generation.