Introduce A Girl To Engineering Day
In the spirit of fostering diversity and inclusivity in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we celebrate a special day each year: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This day is dedicated to inspiring young girls to consider careers in engineering, a field traditionally dominated by men.
History of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
The roots of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day trace back to 2001, when the organization DiscoverE decided to dedicate a day to encourage girls to explore the exciting world of engineering. The day is part of Engineers Week, a week-long celebration of the engineering field and its contributions to society. The goal of this day is to show girls how engineers can change the world, and to help them develop an interest in engineering.
Over the years, the day has grown in scope and impact, with thousands of engineers, educators, and volunteers acting as role models and facilitators of engineering activities. These activities are designed to engage girls in engineering and to educate them about how engineers change our world.
How to Celebrate Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
There are numerous ways to celebrate this day and inspire the next generation of female engineers. Here are a few tips, tricks, and suggestions:
- Engage with Local Engineers: Reach out to local engineers, particularly women, and ask if they would be willing to speak to girls about their careers. This could be in a formal setting, such as a school, or a more casual setting, such as a community center or even a living room.
- Participate in Engineering Activities: There are many engineering activities available online that are designed specifically for girls. These activities can help girls understand what engineers do and how they impact the world.
- Visit Engineering Sites: If possible, arrange for a visit to a local engineering site, such as a civil engineering project, a manufacturing plant, or a software development company. Seeing engineering in action can be a powerful motivator.
- Use Online Resources: Websites like EngineerGirl.com offer a wealth of resources, including profiles of female engineers, information about different types of engineering, and links to other resources.
- Promote Engineering in Schools: Encourage schools to dedicate time to discussing engineering careers and the importance of women in these fields. This could be through assemblies, career days, or guest speakers.
Remember, the goal of this day is not just to introduce girls to engineering, but to show them that they can be engineers. It’s about breaking down stereotypes and opening up a world of possibilities.
