JA passport to stem: A virtual event
The JA Passport to STEM will inspire hundreds of seventh and eighth grade girls & boys in the greater Grand Rapids and Lakeshore areas. In a 2-hour format, JA will introduce these studetns 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, studetents will investigate, ask questions and be inspired to consider STEM for their future.
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.
2021 Sponsors
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
BRIGHT FUTURE SPONORS
STEM SPONSORS
RAM Management (Ron Modreski)