American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red in Northeast Ohio offers local students a chance to learn about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math while interacting with inspiring female experts and trailblazers.
According to statistics from Georgetown University, of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation, leading to persistent disparities in women’s health.
To address these statistics, the American Heart Association will host its annual STEM Goes Red for Girls celebration on Wednesday, December 13 at The NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Students in 7th and 8th grade from Stark, Summit, Portage, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties will come together with some of Northeast Ohio’s leading science, technology, medical and engineering companies as they showcase their innovative work and introduce the girls to unique, real world career paths.
During the four-hour interactive STEM Goes Red for Girls program, 7th and 8th grade girls will hear a brief welcome and then split into three break-out sessions, with speed mentoring at lunch featuring local women leaders who work directly in STEM fields.
“Research shows as girls advance through school, they choose fewer science and math courses,” says Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “Advancing the next great medical breakthrough means empowering young women to take a seat at the table, improving our chances to solve problems and make game-changing discoveries to improve the health of all Americans.”
The American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red is an extension of its long-standing Go Red for Women movement, which is the platform for women to come together against their No. 1 killer, raise awareness for heart disease and stroke, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere.
