According to national high school data from the National Center for Education Statistics, male and female enrollment percentages tend to be relatively evenly distributed in chosen STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classes. However, in the STEM workforce this distribution is heavily skewed, with approximately two-thirds (65%) of STEM employees being male according to the National Science Foundation.
To combat this inequality, junior Isabella Nikolova’s Women in STEM club is providing a place for female students to investigate their curiosities and expand their horizons outside of the classroom.
“I felt motivated to start the club because of the lack of opportunity and exposure to STEM fields I felt was provided to high school students in the area,” Nikolova said. “The lack of knowledge of careers in science I had not only brought on confusion and stress when focusing on my future but sometimes led me to underestimate my abilities and doubt that I could pursue a stem field.”
Participants in the club have access to resources from the science department as well as expanded resources from a club grant to conduct individual or group research projects over a topic of their choice, along with personal mentorship by science educators in the building.
“I believe that this club is particularly special because of the ability to build a relationship with knowledgeable adults that are all very passionate in expanding interest in scientific fields and accommodating to students on a personal level,” Nikolova said.
Club sponsor and physics teacher Rachel Hovey lends both her classroom and knowledge to the Women in STEM club.
“I was excited to hear there are students with an interest in STEM and a desire to explore their interests outside of the classroom,” Hovey said. “I am excited to see their creativity displayed in their projects.”
Community is key for the Women in STEM club to flourish.
“My favorite part of the club is probably finding people that understand the gifts of science and why it is something so special and enjoyable,” Nikolova said. “It definitely helps me feel less alone in facing the difficulties of studying science subjects and furthers my motivation in conquering it.”
As the club continues to grow, the motivation and safe space it provides will continue to impact young female students and their future careers.
“My only hope for this club is that it continues to inspire other female students like me, who have faced the same barriers of doubt and confusion, to find and to follow what it is they are truly passionate about in a STEM field,” Nikolova said.
