Although women fill nearly half of all jobs in the U.S., they hold less than 25 percent of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Nonprofit organization, Project Scientist is helping to close this gender gap by exposing a diverse population of young girls to STEM education. Project Scientist in partnership with Trane, globally renowned provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, hosted a group of 40+ Twin Cities girls, ages 4-12, for an exciting, interactive “expedition” into the world of STEM.
HVAC controls plant and test lab
Held at the White Bear Lake Trane Commercial HVAC office, the expedition allowed girls to experience virtual reality, learn about renewable energy while making their own windmills, and tour Trane’s state-of-the art HVAC controls plant and test lab.
The hands-on activities demonstrated the transformative nature of experiential learning
“Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was fortunate to have local universities like Carnegie Mellon offer STEM summer camps through elementary and middle school,” said Sarah Wilke, marketing manager for Trane. “These experiences helped formulate my career interests today, and I’m beyond excited to give that back to other young girls. We hope more girls will pursue an education in STEM and join us at Trane or Ingersoll Rand one day!”
Experiential Learning
“If we're going to achieve gender parity and diversity in STEM careers, we have to teach girls from all backgrounds that they can grow up to be anything they want, and it's important to start young,” said Project Scientist Founder and CEO Sandy Marshall.
The hands-on activities demonstrated the transformative nature of experiential learning, and expanded the girls’ horizons regarding potential future careers, after meeting women working in STEM careers at Trane.
STEM
“Thanks to partners like Trane who support our mission, girls can see real women using STEM to solve problems and make the world a better place,” said Marshall. “They can see wonderful career opportunities that await in STEM.”