JA Girls Dream Fair
The JA Girls Dream Fair will inspire over 1,000 seventh and eighth-grade girls in the greater Grand Rapids, Lansing, Lakeshore, and Kalamazoo/Battle Creek areas. In a one day format, JA will introduce these girls to women mentors who work in STEM-related fields and show them the exciting possibilities for their future. As the research suggests this is key in increasing their pursuit of STEM careers. Guided by JA's It's My Future curriculum, girls will investigate, ask questions and be inspired to consider STEM for their future.
What?
The focus of the event is to inspire 7th and 8th-grade girls to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) related careers.
When?
Grand Rapids: February 12, 2019 @ Spectrum Health
Lansing: Early March 2019 @ Lansing Community College
Holland: March 19, 2019 @ Yanfeng
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek: March 2019
Why?
The simple truth is that we have a growing nationwide STEM gap.
- There has been a steep decline in the number of female graduates with computer science degrees over the past three decades.
- National surveys find that nearly two-thirds of teenagers said they may be discouraged from pursuing STEM careers simply because they don't know anyone in these fields or they don't understand what people in these fields do.
- By 15 girls are twice as likely to become depressed as boys.
- Student interest in eighth grade, more so than achievement, has been found to be the strongest predictor of a student graduating with a STEM major in college.
As William Butler Yeats said, "Educating isn't the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." We need to light the fire and inspire our young people to explore the incredible world of STEM. We need to encourage young people from all backgrounds to participate in hands-on STEM projects. Girls need to hear real-life stories from successful women who will inspire them, talk about obstacles they overcame and build their self-esteem. These are chances to experience life-changing moments of discovery with mentors from the STEM professions.
2019 Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event! Email Katrina Mahmoud @ katrina.mahmoud@ja.org to learn how to sponsor a student for this event!
