Bridging the gender gap in the STEM field -- that's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Though major strides have been made in the number of women and minorities holding STEM jobs, The National Science Board reports there's still room for improvement.
It's a reason a new club, STEM Girls Rock!, launched today at Booth-Fickett K-8 Magnet school.
"You are smart. You are intelligent. You can get this done," said a STEM professional to students in the library.
Scientists and engineers, all women, worked hard to empower these young students -- all girls -- into believing they could have a future in STEM.
"I was thinking it was too hard," said one student to the panel.
A professional replied, "If you can fathom it in your mind, you can achieve it."
Booth-Fickett's principal, Demetra Baxter-Oliver, is the force behind this club. She said, "Some of them right now are saying I aspire to work at Google. I want to be a programmer. I think we want to bring people in to show them exactly what path is takes to accomplish that goal."
"I wasn't that great at math. I needed help," another professional told the student.
The panel of professionals from organizations such as NASA and Raytheon discussed the education requirements and passion needed to pursue a STEM job.
Baxter-Oliver said, "We just have to help support that it's already in them. Perseverance, plan, have a pathway so what we want to do is take those P's and put it in a format to help guide them."
Annabell Ayers is in 8th grade and want to become a neurosurgeon.
"Neurosurgeons need good skills with math to know different areas and good skills to know the human body. And very scientifically inclined," she said.
The girls in the STEM club will meet every other week at Booth-Fickett.
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