STEM

Eastern Michigan U Hosts Stem Conference for Middle School Girls

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 11/11/15

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) recently brought girls from local middle schools to campus in an effort to inspire interest in academic and professional careers in technology as part of its "Digital Divas" program.

Currently in its sixth year, this was the first time the program was split into two sessions — one for high school students held in April, and one last Friday for middle school students.

Pam Becker, technology management professor at EMU, "said in the fields of science, engineering, technology and math, the workforce is comprised of only about 25 percent female workers," according to a report on mlive.com.

"Many times they aren't exposed to those kinds of careers," added Becker. "Just seeing a face out there helps. It's really exciting and when you see that you have to support it."

Approximately 300 students attended the most recent event, where they listened to speakers before attending smaller sessions focused on topics such as building a mobile app, learning about a career as a pilot, the intersection of fashion and geometry and how to protect one's online image and space, among others.

"We desperately need more young women and females in technology careers," Becker told MLive. "The program is wonderful because it exposes these young women to some of those fields."

more information about Digital Divas is available at emich.edu.