At L-Tron, we know it takes a team to be successful. We also recognize that our team is better off with a talented and diverse blend of employees. Without a doubt, our team brings a mix of personalities, abilities, and backgrounds to the table – making us that much stronger!
Since we’re a technology company, International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) represents much more than just a day to our L-Tron team. The goal of IDWGIS? To inspire and educate women and girls about their roles in STEM fields. We’ve seen firsthand what women in STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – can accomplish, and we’re on board to help close the gender gap however we can!
In honor of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which occurs annually on February 11, we decided to share some ways to encourage young girls in their pursuit of STEM careers.
4 Easy Ways to Encourage Girls to Pursue Futures in STEM
Let her know the possibilities.
This first step sounds so simple, but it often gets overlooked. When girls are young, let them know directly that they can follow their passions as they grow up. Use those formative years to develop confidence and expand their horizons about the world and what it has to offer. As she begins experiencing new possibilities and expressing an interest in STEM topics, ask open ended questions to show interest. Answer questions honestly and encourage her. Research any questions you still have together.
“As a preschooler, our daughter expressed that her life’s aspirations were to be a teenager, a princess, and an engineer. What a combination! While she may never become a princess, she’ll be a teenager in the blink of an eye…and should she choose to pursue a career in engineering, we will stand by her every step of the way!”
– Story from the L-Tron Team
Kids are naturally curious. Go with it!
Whether you’re out in nature looking at different plants, at the science museum, or playing at home, let her imagination run wild. Kids can have some bizarre sounding ideas, but those ideas are their way of learning, expressing, and experimenting. When her talents and strengths begin to emerge, invest your time into developing them, and work toward overcoming any areas of weakness.
“My granddaughter recently wanted to use an old cardboard box from the recycling bin to design a backpack. To her parents, it looked like garbage…but to my granddaughter, it became a treasured possession she is proud of. Makes sense to me. She conceptualized it, planned it, and created it herself!”
– Story from the L-Tron Team
Experiences…and plenty of resilience.
Let girls try plenty of different experiences. Remember, new experiences don’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. Take her to parks. Let her explore museums. Check out free programs and events offered at your local library, school, or community center. And whatever she tries, encourage her to finish the experience, even if it isn’t her favorite thing to do.
“I still remember when my daughter wanted to quit Girl Scouts halfway through the year. I held her accountable to follow through with her commitment and she finished out the year. It was an accomplishment to finish what she’d started and taught her a lot about perseverance and resilience. She went on to pursue a collegiate degree in mathematics, and today, she is a partner in a prestigious law firm!”
– Story from the L-Tron Team
Build Confidence and Develop a Growth Mindset
Though last on our list, this item is probably one of the most important. Young girls need to be equipped with confidence to try new things and take risks, without fear of failure. Help her find things that spark her interest and encourage her to pursue them. She’ll grow and learn every step of the way.
“As a child, I loved to read, play board games, and spend time with my friends. In 5th grade, I was invited to join the ‘Math Olympiads’ team in school and later, in 7th grade, I was invited to take the SAT exam for talented youth – both experiences I would have never considered on my own. I am so thankful for the adults who encouraged me, introduced me to new experiences, and gave me the confidence to pursue my academic talents!”
– Story from the L-Tron Team
Encouraging girls to consider futures in STEM careers will inevitably lead to new innovations, ideas, and solutions in our ever-changing world. International Day of Women and Girls in Science is great reminder that there just might be a budding scientist, technologist, engineer, or mathematician in our community. The L-Tron team is proud of our company culture, our strong engineering team and we will continue to encourage women in STEM.
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