Middle school girls learn about STEM at My Amazing Future event
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IDAHO FALLS — Around 150 eighth grade girls from across eastern Idaho gathered together Friday to learn about Idaho National Laboratory and careers in science, technology engineering and math (STEM).
It’s all part of the annual My Amazing Future event. Now in its 12th year, the program aims to inspire young girls to explore STEM careers by exposing them to researchers, engineers and scientists working at INL.
“They’re putting in a lot of work to help inspire the girls,” K-12 Program Manager Jennifer Jackson said.
The girls attended a full day of workshops and learned about topics such as DNA extraction from a strawberry, cybersecurity, radioisotope thermoelectric generators and hands-on chemistry.
“The thing they are most excited about is the opportunity to do hands-on learning and to learn about what it is that these real scientists are doing day-to-day and to be able to interact with these professionals.” Jackson said.
One of the reason INL hosts the event is because women are underrepresented in the STEM fields nationally.
“The annual My Amazing Future day is our opportunity to show young women that STEM subjects are interesting, exciting, and can build the foundation for a great career,” said Marianne Walck, INL deputy director for science and technology. “I hope all the participants leave understanding that if you can dream it, you can do it — and that STEM is fun!”
The girls seemed to enjoy it. Tanya Ortiz, 14, said “having hands-on activities really helps you know and understand something rather than just hearing it from someone.”
Several of the girls told EastIdahoNews.com they were hoping their schools would start clubs related to STEM.
INL officials say the program continues to be a great success. A number of the girls that have participated in the past have gone on to get internships at INL and even careers.
To learn more about INL go to INL.gov, or visitits Facebook page.
