The gender gap in STEM-oriented careers is a systemic problem in the scientific community, with less than 25% of tenured faculty positions held by women and an even lower percentage in industry. Career fields and interests are usually developed around 12-14 years of age, the same age that has the highest pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The Auburn Chapter of the Association of Women in Science (AWIS) has developed a program designed to take advantage of this important time, to cultivate curiosity and encourage a love for STEM in young women. LADIES, Leading Auburn in Developing Interest in Experimental Science, is an inquiry-based after-school program that encourages participation through hands-on science experiments. Through the interactions with university role models, the participants are able to identify with women scientists and are empowered to ask questions in a gender-neutral learning environment.

Addressing the gender gap in STEM through an after-school program for middle school girls

251st National Meeting (2016)

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