Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1170706
F a l l 2 0 1 9 • S T U F F 3 3 S T U F F M a d e I n C T . c o m The goal of early STEM programming is to proactively prevent young women from feeling intimidated about failing. "They come to appreciate that's half the fun of learning," Maglio said. She describes an environment in which girls can get their hands dirty by making playdough, slime, and even lip gloss. This is only the beginning. "In addition, we have amazing women who give of their time as mentors and work directly with our girls and/or are part of our programs for middle and high school, where our girls have the chance to meet with them and see their work environments, or talk with them about their path, their challenges and their success in these various fields," said Maglio. "As with everything we offer for our girls, it's important that they can relate to women working in these careers, their love and curiosity is nurtured and their exploration encouraged!" e ture This year, one group of girls completed a unit called "Science & Math of the Amusement Park," in which they designed roller coasters while taking into account friction, speed, and momentum. A different STEM program helped the girls zero in on small creeks as they compared tree species, examining their usefulness as sound barriers. "We've had pet snails, fish and many other creatures, all with the goal of showing girls how things work, how we coexist with other living things, the effects of our choices, and the various things that can be part of an amazing STEM future," Maglio said. STEM initiatives at organizations like Girls Inc. will change the way young women think about pursuing careers in manufacturing. Problems of perception may stem from the fact that manufacturing hasn't always been on the upswing. Many Gen-Xers, born between 1965 and 1980, recall entering the job market 30 years ago when, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 5 million more manufacturing jobs existed than today. Programs like the one at Girls Inc. will continue to alter Gen-Z's view of sophisticated manufacturers in the fields of robotics, defense, medical equipment, and space travel. F a l l 2 0 1 9 • S T U F F 3 3 S T U F F M a d e I n C T . c o m ILLUSTRATION | Annabelle Meszynski