While women make up nearly half the U.S. workforce, they hold less than a quarter of the country’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs, according to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
Trane, a provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, together with the Ingersoll Rand Foundation and Project Scientist, recently helped close this gender gap for a group of 60 Orange County girls. Project Scientist is a nonprofit organization that provides girls, ages four to 12, with STEM camps and enrichment opportunities. The Ingersoll Rand foundation provided a $25,000 grant to support Project Scientist in their mission to increase opportunities women in STEM careers.
Transformative Nature Of Experiential Learning
Meeting women at Trane in STEM careers clearly expanded the girls’ horizons regarding potential future jobs"
“It was exciting to see the girls’ passion for STEM learning,” said Louise Rasmussen, Trane HR business partner. “These girls are growing up with the expectation that they can learn, live and eventually work in sustainable environments, so they are eager to learn what that entails.”
“These hands-on STEM activities clearly captivated the girls, demonstrating the truly transformative nature of experiential learning,” said Sandy Marshall, founder and CEO of Project Scientist. “Additionally, meeting women at Trane in STEM careers clearly expanded the girls’ horizons regarding potential future jobs.” Held at the Brea, California Trane office and hosted by the women and men who work there, the July 11 ‘Expedition’ event featured various STEM learning stations.
Energy Management Services
Learning stations at the event taught the girls:
- How building owners and operators can optimize a building’s performance using intelligent systems, building automation and energy management services
- How to use salt to conduct electricity in play dough
- How solar power and hydro power work
- How both rocket ships and model rockets are powered