STEM camp helps girls build bright futures

Thanks to the STEM Camp launched by the Cincinnati YWCA this past year, girls in grades 5-8 at Mt. Washington School are using their minds, and their hands, to discover careers in science, technology engineering and math. “Research shows that kids in grades 5-8 are in a unique window of time to become engaged in the STEM pipeline,” says Casey Frazee, girls’ programs coordinator. “Exposure to career possibilities in middle school can spark an interest.” So far, the STEM Camp has partnered with volunteers from AmeriCorps, University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Observatory, GE and Building Value in Northside.   Frazee says the camp curriculum is based on about a dozen careers within the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. “STEM camp encourages the girls to discover what they can do with the interests they have, and teaches them what to look for to enhance their studies when they reach high school,” she says. STEM Camp isn’t just conceptual. This fall, the girls will use their own hands to build a scaled down version of a model house. They will participate in every step of the process from electrical wiring, to painting, to preparing it for “sale.” The camp needs volunteers each Thursday from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 8 through 29. “STEM Camp provides young girls with hands on exposure to exciting career possibilities, ultimately encouraging financial independence and fulfilling work as adults,” Casey says. Do Good: • Volunteer on site. The girls need skilled support with things like drafting, carpentry, dry wall, plumbing, electrical wiring and beyond. • Become a mentor. Help the girls access adults in the field, especially women. • Donate money or supplies. By Deidra Wiley Necco Image courtesy of Cincinnati YWCA