The mission of the Girls’ STEAM Conference is to support and supplement STEAM education for middle school girls in the state of Indiana. We do so in recognition of the underrepresentation of females, particularly females of color, within science and technology careers. Through unique and immersive experiences, hands-on activities, and interactions with female professionals in science and technology career fields, the conference heightens girls’ interest in STEAM career pathways and inspires them to select courses that will lead to a greater representation of females choosing science and technology careers. The conference welcomes all middle school students who identify with the experience of being a girl and who are interested in exploring opportunities in STEAM.

WHY IS THIS CONFERENCE DESIGNED WITH GIRLS BEING THE PRIMARY AUDIENCE?

There is much evidence that shows as young women learn in school, they perform on par with boys, and enroll in STEAM classes on par. However, as time goes on, a gender gap grows as participation from girls in STEAM classes drops off. This is further widened by issues of race and class. Our goal in offering this conference is to help young girls begin to understand that anyone can be a scientist, engineer, coder, an architect, or any STEAM-related professional by creating positive experiences with other young women. We hope to dispel the myth that they aren't able to excel in STEAM fields.

HOW MUCH DOES THE EVENT COST? 

This event costs $45 per student due at the time of registration. 

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WORKSHOPS THAT THE GIRLS CAN ATTEND THROUGHOUT THE EVENT? 

Some examples of past workshop topics include: botany, anesthesiology, aviation, materials engineering, allergy/immunology, web design, interior design, and accounting.