Improving the odds
In 2016, the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast to address this gender gap in STEM careers. Five teams of area fourth to eighth grade girls competed in the First Lego League International Robotics Competition in California with the financial support of a $10,000 WGF grant.
The girl-led teams from Waukesha County championed problem-solving efforts that supported cooperation and team building. Challenged to develop solutions to a real-world problem, the teams designed, built, and programmed a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® which were then put to the test in a timed table-top playing field competition.
Activities leading up to the competition helped develop confidence and excitement about STEM careers. Introducing girls to the possibilities within science and technology disciplines is critical to closing the gender gap for STEM leaders of the future.