JerseySTEM partners with schools and community organizations throughout New Jersey to create STEM-oriented opportunities for girls in underserved communities.
According to an article from EdSource.org, many girls aren’t taking STEM courses because they’re often not exposed to STEM in school and/or are encouraged to pursue other careers.
The article focuses on California where only 30 percent of high school students who take computer science courses are female. Yet, females make up 49 percent of the student population.
EdSource believes the California education system can close the exposure gap by doing the following:
- Expose girls to STEM studies early in their education, no later than eighth or ninth grade
- Invite STEM industry professionals to high school classrooms as guest speakers
- Involve girls in cross-curricular projects that examine how the different STEM components come together
- Administer aptitude tests to girls to show them they have the intelligence and skills to pursue STEM careers
JerseySTEM’s contribution to exposing girls to STEM education and career possibilities will continue to make a critical difference in how they view future STEM opportunities.