By: Candy Leti

As a middle school student, I participated in an after school STEM program where we explored different aspects of sciences and technology. I was able to dissect animals, explore an early version of 3D printing, make model cars and launch rockets. My experience allowed me to better understand concepts such as the scientific method and improve my critical thinking skills as well as have a more positive attitude towards STEM. It didn’t occur to me until a much later age that I could use my own experiences to help shape the direction of other young girls’ lives.

Since working for MakerGirl, I have had the opportunity to teach young girls how to use a CAD design system for 3D printing, utilize the engineering design process and introduce them to a renowned women in STEM as their potential role models. This has helped expose these young girls to a more inclusive and welcoming environment in STEM that I wish was more prevalent when I was their age. By acquainting girls to STEM at a young age, they are more likely to become better positioned as adult women to pursue a full-fledged career.

I have personally seen and received feedback from parents describing the growth that their daughters have undergone since beginning the program. One aspect of improvement that we’ve received feedback on is improvement of spatial skills through the use of TinkerCad, which is an early indicator of later achievement in mathematics and can predict who will pursue STEM careers. Through the #MakerGirlGoesVirtual Sessions we have also seen CAD designs become more elaborate and complicated since the beginning of the summer.  Whether it be improvements to their spacial skills from the use of TinkerCad or getting better at using computers, the excitement I have seen in their young faces has been both incredibly rewarding and has made me very optimistic for the future of women in STEM.