On April 1, more than 700 eighth-grade girls attended the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) annual STEM conference at Yuba College.
The AAUW has a mission, “to advance equity for women and girls through education and networking within our diverse community.” The event aims to provide role models and STEM classes to young women, with the hopes of opening career opportunities currently occupied predominantly by male students. The conference has grown in recent years, with 24 Yuba-Sutter area schools participating this year, prompting its relocation from the Marysville church to the Yuba College campus.
Yuba College President Dr. Tawny Dotson kicked off the event, encouraging the girls with positive affirmations.
“Now, I want you to take a moment and look around you. The girls sitting beside you? They’re just like you – curious, full of questions, and starting to think about what comes next. Some of you may have never imagined yourselves going to college. Maybe no one in your family has – like me,” said Dotson. “And that’s okay. Because you get to be the first. You get to dream big. You get to build something new for yourself – and maybe even for those who come after you.”
The event was led by Martha Bunce, Executive Council leader for AAUW.
In a story by CBS News, Bunce said, “Girls don’t see themselves as STEM,” said Bunce. “It’s clearly an underrepresented field for women.”
Twenty-five volunteer speakers from various STEM backgrounds spoke to the girls. These professionals represented careers including auto repair, marine biology, criminalistics, medical professions, accounting and aviation.
Guest speakers such as criminalist Anna Brewer spoke about the use of technology in solving crimes, while wildlife scientists Ashley Spicer and Nicole McLoughlin discussed methods of identifying wildlife species. Mary Teichert, CEO of Teichert Inc., discussed her educational background from Harvard University and her work in construction, emphasizing the importance of liking your job.
Following classes, attendees received a tour of the Yuba College campus. Bunce stressed that the conference was just the beginning of the opportunities available to these young women.
Yuba College continues to support the importance of STEM on its campus, offering many programs and support resources to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations. The college offers STEM-focused associate degrees in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Geology
- Environmental Science
- Natural Science
Additionally, the college’s Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program provides a wide range of support, including research and internship opportunities, specifically designed to focus on increasing and supporting student diversity. The program paves the way for students to prepare and transfer to four-year institutions, furthering their careers in STEM. These focused degree paths and programs provide hands-on experience and demonstrate Yuba College’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of female STEM leaders and encouraging their enrollment.