Keystone Today

On Nov. 16, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women hosted a National STEM Day Event at the Pennsylvania State Museum to highlight the achievements of women who are involved in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). 

The event was also set up to encourage young women to take part in a STEM career, according to a release by Gov. Tom Wolf’s office. Women from across Pennsylvania sent in 15 videos where they talked about their work, education and the reason for being in a STEM career.

“Our commission is so excited to be hosting our second annual National STEM Day event. One of our priorities is to increase the number of women in STEM careers in Pennsylvania. This project allows girls and young women to explore STEM opportunities,” Commission for Women Executive Director Moriah Hathaway said. “We wanted to introduce girls at an early age to STEM opportunities, so they are more likely to enjoy STEM subjects and feel empowered to consider a career in STEM. We are hoping that the girls feel inspired by the videos that were sent in and can envision themselves enjoying similar jobs in their future.”

The commission and the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania joined together to bring girls to the museum for the STEM activities that would go toward their badges.

“We are very excited to be a part of National STEM Day for the second year in a row and the activities being held at the State Museum on Nov. 16,” Janet Donovan, president and CEO of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, said. “As one of the four pillars in Girl Scouting, STEM programs – girl-focused STEM programs — lead to critical thinkers, better grades and the foundation for a successful future. We are so proud to be part of that experience.”

These activities were through the women who sent in the videos and also the Pennsylvania State Library. The videos are on YouTube and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women’s homepage.

“We need to take a strategic approach to ensure that today’s students and workers have the skills they need for tomorrow’s jobs,” Wolf said. “That’s why, in 2018, I launched the PAsmart initiative, which introduced STEM and computer science programs into hundreds of schools, and helped bridge the gap between the classroom and well-paying jobs by building a new apprenticeship program."

First Lady Frances Wolf also spoke about the importance of a STEM career for women, saying that it helps keep industries competitive and make Pennsylvania a “great place to work and live.”

“We know that science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the future, and it is imperative that we keep preparing our young women for these jobs," she said. "I commend the Commission for Women for their commitment to promoting the ideas and innovation of Pennsylvania’s women and ensuring our girls know they have a place in these fields.”