St. Cloud State student volunteers assist Tech Savvy attendees with a workshop focused on information technology. Photo by Adam Hammer
One hundred girls got a hands-on introduction to STEM careers during the daylong Tech Savvy event with interactive workshops April 9 at St. Cloud State.
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) and St. Cloud State University have teamed-up to present the event to sixth through ninth grade girls and their families.
St. Cloud State faculty and students, College of Saint Benedict faculty and students and professionals working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) presented workshops for the girls to show that exciting careers can be found in the field. Their parents learned how to support their daughters’ interest in pursuing STEM education.
Women from the St. Cloud State student organizations — the Society of Women Engineers, Chemistry Club, Mathematics Club, Physics Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Institute for Electric and Electronic Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers — and College of Saint Benedict STEM majors acted as guides and mentors during the event.
Tech Savvy attendees gets hands on in the Visualization Lab at St. Cloud State. Photo by Adam Hammer
St. Cloud State faculty and students gave presentations on web page design, astronomy, 3D printing and virtual reality and data collection and usage.
Jennifer Duffy, of Blattner Energy in Avon, delivered the keynote address, “STEMing in the Real World.”
“Research has shown that it’s crucial to introduce STEM careers to young girls and encourage parental support,” said Jan Bensen, AAUW St. Cloud chairwoman. “Our goal is to reach out to girls that might not otherwise have the chance to learn about the possibility of pursing STEM careers.”
Tech Savvy is funded in part by a competitive AAUW national grant and the generosity of the local community. Tech Savvy was created in 2006 by Tamara Brown of the AAUW Buffalo (NY) Branch and has served more than 5,000 girls. The St. Cloud event is one of 22 Tech Savvy events being held this year. It is the only one being held in Minnesota.
