It is culturally universal that women inhabit fewer jobs in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) than men do. Perhaps you’ve noticed a love of nature or a fascination with puzzles in your own little girl. As you look for science summer camps for the coming year, consider what influences a girl to avoid STEM, and ways that you can get them involved. Cultural Deterrents Women in the United States still feel deterred from STEM careers. Perhaps it’s perpetuated to young girls that it’s unfeminine for a girl to have a high-paying job, or there’s a fear that you will make more than the men you know and they will be romantically intimidated by you. Man is the provider, after all. How can this be bypassed, so that girls see STEM careers as a legitimate possibility? Role Models Are Everything It is true that, when you see someone enjoying something that you have never known, you find yourself curious. This is true of strange desserts from a locally owned restaurant, and it’s true of trying out a STEM career. When young girls are exposed to women who are operating successfully in the STEM fields, it sets an example. Women encouraging girls to dream of STEM careers encourages those girls to see beyond the cultural walls that have been imposed on them, and it challenges them to dream. A female mentor makes all the difference in proving to young women, yes, they can do it too. As parents, how can you get the ball rolling for your daughter? Natural history museums, spending time outdoors together, science summer camps and afterschool programs, and even encouraging girls to engage in puzzles and problem-solving games can help your daughter freely see if they have a desire and a passion for the STEM fields.
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