GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As part of National Manufacturing Month, a group of middle school girls from across the area are getting some hands-on experience in the field.
Instructors at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are trying to spark a new interest in a group of local students, they’re giving them a crash course in Science, Math, Engineering and Technology careers.
“They’re 14 so they’re at the age where they’re thinking about their career,” said instructor Molly Delsart. “So I tell them this is your chance to experience a lot of different things and you might learn something exciting for your career.”
The girls who participated in Tuesdays “Girls in Trade” event were chosen from schools outside the Green Bay area and may not have access to the technical career courses offered at NWTC.
Delsart tells FOX 11 there’s one big reason to hold classes like this…
“That’s why we do this, to increase the number of women in STEM programs. Diversity brings strength, so the more women and minorities in this field the better our technology will be.”
According to the US Department of Commerce, women hold only about 24% of the jobs in STEM fields.
“I learned that a lot of women don’t pick careers like this and they’re looking for more women. They’re also good-paying jobs,” said Mackenzie Reed from Seymour Middle School.
But whatever career these girls choose, Delsart said she wants them to know anything is possible.
“Dream big, don’t ever feel like you can’t do something and use your resources. You can do anything you want and don’t be afraid to fail, it’s apart of the process,” she said.
Click here to learn more about STEM-related courses at NWTC.
