Maanvi Sarwadi and Runyl Liu, two high school students featured in a Delaware Live article, were selected as Delaware Delegates to attend the all-expenses-paid 2023’s National Youth Science Camp. Both passionate about STEM, Sarwadi and Liu will travel to West Virginia to participate in the camp and further their knowledge of the STEM field.
You may be wondering, what is the STEM field? The STEM field refers to the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of females in STEM fields, as women have made significant contributions to these fields, but have historically been underrepresented.
According to the US Census Bureau, in 1970, women made up 38% of all U.S. workers and 8% of STEM workers. By 2019, the STEM proportion had increased to 27% and women made up 48% of all workers.
Why is it important for women to participate in STEM fields?
Women bring diverse perspectives and ideas into the STEM field, which can lead to innovation and progress in these fields. Additionally, increasing the representation of women in STEM can help address the gender gap in pay and career opportunities. Encouraging and supporting women in STEM can lead to a more equitable society.
It is especially important for young females to participate in STEM fields because it promotes gender equality and diversity in these fields, which can lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions to real-world problems. STEM careers also offer high paying job opportunities.
Maanvi Sarwadi explained to Delaware Live how Delaware offers programs that introduce young women into STEM, providing them with many opportunities and a supportive learning environment.
Both Sarwadi and Liu will head to Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia for the National Youth Science Camp this June. Attending this camp will help them prepare for their future STEM careers and give them the unique opportunity to network with field professionals. Read more about Sarwadi and Liu in Delaware Live’s article “2 Del. students head to National Science Camp, STEM careers”.
Are you interested in joining the STEM fields? Delaware Pathways has various pathway programs within STEM such as Architectural Engineering Technology, Biomedical Science, and Engineering.
The Architectural Engineering Technology (AET) is a field that combines principles of engineering, architecture, and construction management to design and construct buildings and other structures. Architectural engineering technologists help to ensure that buildings are safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. They work on projects ranging from small residential homes to large commercial buildings and infrastructure projects.
The AET Pathway engages students in the world of construction and architecture. Coursework includes focusing on site selection, drafting, architectural, and engineering planning, budgeting, cost estimating, production, permits, contracting, work timetables, and project management. To learn more about the AET pathway, click here.
Biomedical Science is a field of study that combines biology and medicine to understand human health and disease. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, genetics, immunology, and pharmacology, among others. Biomedical scientists work to develop new treatments and therapies for diseases, as well as to improve our understanding of the human body and its functions.
The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science pathway engages students in open-ended problem solving where students study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. The program prepares students for further education and careers in biomedical sciences and healthcare. Learn more about the Biomedical pathway here.
Lastly, the Engineering field involves the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and improve structures, machines, systems, and processes. It encompasses various disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and more.
The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering pathway is a CTE program that engages students in open-ended problem solving where students learn and apply the engineering design process and use modern, industry-leading technology and software. The program prepares students for further education and careers in engineering and engineering technology. Click here to learn more about the Engineering Pathway.
Delaware Pathways’ career pathway programs help you develop the academic, technical, and employability skills, and to gain the real-world experience needed for successful, in-demand jobs. Find the pathway that’s right for you!