JA GIRLS' DREAM FAIR: A STEM EXPERIENCE
Here to inspire 7th graders to explore STEM related careers.
The JA Girls' Dream Fair introduces middle school students to STEM careers by area women leaders in STEM. After a TED-style talk from inspirational STEM women, mentors use the JA It's My Future curriculum to encourage students to ask questions about their own futures and urge them to consider a career in STEM. "You don't have to be a scientist or a mathematician to have STEM elements in a career. STEM careers are really diverse." - JA Past Student Participant
Why is this important?
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.
The 2022 Event Sponsors
TITLE SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
BRIGHT FUTURE SPONSORS
DREAM SPONSORS
STEM SPONSORS
COMMERCIAL BANK
Become a sponsor to support STEM access in our community!
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 Janet Leslie at jennifer.rostar@ja.org to learn how to sponsor a student for this event!
