Pilot program at two Lexington schools
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2017) — Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton and the Kentucky Commission on Women will kick off the pilot program for the Lt. Governor’s STEM Challenge for Girls at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Leestown Middle School Library in Lexington.
The goal is to get more girls interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. Seventy-one percent of all jobs in 2018 will require STEM skills; yet only twenty-four percent of females in the U.S. are currently represented in these fields.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women with STEM jobs earned 33 percent more in 2014 than comparable women in non-STEM jobs. The challenge is designed to bring awareness to the opportunities females have in STEM fields.
The Commission on Women, an office of the governor, has created and is hosting a pilot STEM program at two Lexington middle schools — Leestown and Tates Creek. The goal is to inspire and challenge girls to use their natural curiosity and intelligence to uncover a passion for STEM fields through hands-on learning and career exploration.
Each STEM Challenge session will last two hours and will be held at the student’s school after the last class is dismissed.
Thirty-three young ladies have been accepted in the STEM program and are now part of the Lt. Governor’s STEM Squad (LG STEM Squad).
The free program includes:
- STEM professionals who will share their real-life experiences and expertise
- Fun, engaging project-based sessions
- Growth in STEM skills and knowledge
- On-site teacher instruction and supervision
- Snacks, materials and all supplies
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