The U.S. Census Bureau reports that while women make up nearly half of the workforce, only 28% work in STEM fields.
Chula Vista, Calif. — Women are making some headway in the STEM industry, but they remain underrepresented.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that while women make up nearly half of the workforce, only 28% work in STEM fields.
“There are significant gender disparities in STEM fields. The American Heart Association's STEM Goes Red program provides diverse female students with access to science, technology, engineering and science jobs and helps them discover breakthroughs in medicine. It gives you the potential to become the next scientist.
A love for animals turned into a dream for Chantal Volteada.
“Being a veterinarian requires animal science,” said Volteada, a senior at Castle Park High School.
Danna Mata's love for the ocean led her to become a marine biologist, studying environmental science.
“I study oceans, ocean acidification, and rising ocean temperatures,” said Mata, a senior at Castle Park High School.
Both are fourth-year students in Darcy Kimball's anatomy and physiology honors class at Castle Park High School in Chula Vista.
The Latinx students hope to pave the way for other young women interested in STEM.
“Women in STEM, it's growing. It's an opportunity to open your mind to different topics,” Volteada said.
These opportunities are part of the American Heart Association's STEM Goes Red program, which helps girls at Castle Park High School discover their potential and curiosity.
“I was able to research new things and learn things I didn’t know before,” Mata said.
The goal of this program is to help women maintain roles in STEM fields.
Go Red For Women reports that 100 female students are studying for a bachelor's degree, but only three have a STEM job 10 years after graduation.
“We started using the lab and got all the equipment that we use in the actual carrier,” Mata said.
STEM Goes Red takes place in classrooms year-round, but in November students go on a field trip aboard the USS Midway to interact with professional STEM leaders and get an inside look at the impact STEM is having on the world. Masu.
These connections help pave the way for young women to continue their love of science.
“There’s no need to be afraid, it’s really interesting,” Mata said.
STEM Goes Red also partners with Sweetwater High School.
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