STEM in the Middle highlights science, tech, engineering, math careers for girls

AT TECH COLLECTIVE'S fourth annual STEM in the Middle workshop recently, 125 middle school girls from four schools learned about future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
AT TECH COLLECTIVE'S fourth annual STEM in the Middle workshop recently, 125 middle school girls from four schools learned about future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

PROVIDENCE – At Tech Collective’s fourth annual STEM in the Middle workshop recently, 125 middle school girls from four schools learned about future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Schools represented included Dr. Earl F. Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls; Ponaganset Middle School, Foster-Glocester; Sophia Academy, Providence; and Times2 STEM Academy, Providence.

The event was hosted by the Rhode Island STEM Center at Rhode Island College, and funded through a Governor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island Industry Partnership grant.

Attendance grew this year, with 35 more students attending the expo this year, according to Giselle Mahoney, manager of communications and media relations for Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s Information Technology and Bioscience Industry Association.
The workshop and career expo also were sponsored by IBM and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. Students were able to attend three out of 12 interactive workshops offered by female industry professionals and faculty. Topics ranged from computer technology, biotechnology and digital media to programming, robotics and physics.
Companies represented included Amgen, Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp., the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Rhode Island College, U.S. Navy, the University of Rhode Island’s Ocean Exploration Trust and Warwick Sewer Authority.
Carol Giuriceo, director of the Rhode Island STEM Center at Rhode Island College, said that STEM in the Middle encourages girls to explore STEM by offering workshops in a supportive and team-focused environment.
“Through the use of problem solving and critical thinking, girls learn essential STEM skills which increase their understanding of the world,” she said in a statement.
Said JoAnn Johnson, manager of youth and education programs for Tech Collective, “The Expo also serves as an opportunity to engage educators and industry collaboratively in STEM efforts. This affords the students a well-rounded perspective and as well as makes valuable, real-world connections between the two.”
According to information from Tech Collective, middle school-age students – especially girls – can shy away from science and math due to gender stereotypes, or a lack of awareness and perceived opportunities. Tech Collective said STEM in the Middle’s mission is to increase opportunities for young women in the sciences, and keep them interested in the subjects.

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