7 Ways to Encourage Girls to Go STEM

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There's a big disparity when it comes to men versus women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professions. As a techie since childhood, I've always been fascinated with STEM and even earned my networking certificates before graduating high school! Coding at an early age is what got me motivated to get into a STEM profession. It's also why in college I went on to earn my Bachelor's of Science degree in information technology new media from Rochester Institute of Technology.

My interest in STEM has shaped my exciting career as a tech expert and global tech consultant, and part of my personal mission is to get more girls and young women interested in STEM careers. So in honor of National Engineers Week (Feb. 19-25), let's take a look at some tools that should really get a gold star for encouraging and increasing the number of girls and women to go into STEM fields.

01
Sylvan Edge

Sylvan Edge

Getting started at an early age with STEM is imperative in today's world. Currently, when it comes to the numbers, girls are occupying only a small percentage of STEM jobs. At centers nationwide, Sylvan Learning's Edge classes (starting at $49) provide fun, hands-on, cutting-edge classes that focus on programs like building robots and coding. I really like the Sylvan Math Edge class that provides a competitive advantage in the classroom and keeps moving the future of teenage girls forward.

02
Celestron Astro Fi Wi-Fi Connected Telescope

Celestron Astro Fi Wi-Fi Connected Telescope

What better way to increase interest in STEM than with connected telescopes? For those with an interest in the solar system and beyond, get high-tech with this WiFi powered telescope ($400). Use the telescope with your smartphone or tablet by downloading the free Celestron SkyPortal app. With the app, you can pinpoint what you want the telescope to find for you in the vast night sky.

03
Litiholo Hologram Kits

Litiholo Hologram Kits

Attention! This is not a kid's toy but a serious science kit for us adults! Check out DIY holograms ($100), which includes everything you need in one kit to make 20 of your very own holograms. Each self-developing hologram can be created in around 15 minutes without the need for complex dark rooms and equipment.

04
Lego Mindstorms EV3

Lego Mindstorms EV3

I’ve partnered with Lego many times over the years and this is hands down one of my favorite robotic kits ($350) on the market. Build up to 17 different kinds of robots, from a rattlesnake to a whack-a-mole game, or even get creative and customize your own. The kit is fully packed with sensors and motors to upgrade your programming skills.

05
Enable 3D Printed Assistive Limbs

Enable 3D Printed Assistive Limbs

If you, your school, or community has access to a 3D printer and want to expand your creations, then join the amazing group of Enable global volunteers. Build a 3D assistive upper limb device (prices vary) for an individual in need — all via open source software.

06
Back to the Roots Urban Homesteader Gift Set

Back to the Roots Urban Homesteader Gift Set

It's no wonder why people are becoming more interested in growing their own fruits and vegetables; it helps us better understand where our food comes from. Into this idea? Then, consider the Urban Homesteader ($173) — it contains a mini-aquaponics ecosystem for gourmet grow-them-yourself mushrooms! This is perfect for a city dweller.

07
Hopscotch App

Hopscotch App

Make fun mini-games, cute unique drawings, or hypnotic patterns that captivate anyone while understanding coding concepts with Hopscotch (free, available for iOS). It's a cool app for all ages that does a great job explaining how code works.