Girls in STEM - Bioengineering
Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM: Bioengineering focuses on addressing challenges experienced by women interested in pursuing STEM-specific education and careers. Specifically, participants will learn about bioengineering and healthcare in partnership with The Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI).
Participants will go on a laboratory tour to see important aspects of the SPRI labs used by scientists and doctors and get a glimpse into a world-class scientific research program. Participants will also have an interactive experience and a Q&A session with the SPRI scientists to have the opportunity to hear from women connected to the healthcare industry, and learn about the barriers they have faced as women and how they overcome those challenges.
Details
When: 4/28-4/30, 2023
Who: Girls, Grades 4th to 8th
Where: Keystone Science School
Scholarships Available and are awarded to those who express economic need and a passion for the program.
Check back soon for registration opening!
Sample Schedule
Please note that this program schedule may change based on the availability of our STEM Mentors.
Day 1: Friday
| 6:00pm | Check-in |
| 6:30pm | Move in to dorms, dorm orientation |
| 7:00pm | Program orientation with KSS Instructors |
| 7:30 pm | Presentation from SPRI with hands-on activities |
| 8:30pm | Girls in bioengineering activity - what does a bio engineer look like? |
| 9:00pm | Back to dorms, candle chat |
Day 2: Saturday
| 8:00am | Day overview (breakfast @ Keystone Science School) |
| 10:00am | Tour of SPRI |
| 3:00pm | Career Panel - Women in Bioengineering |
| 5:30pm | Design thinking process and project overview |
| 7:00pm | Begin work on bioengineering project |
| 8:00pm | Campfire |
| 9:00pm | Back to dorms, candle chat |
Day 3: Sunday
| 8:00am | Day overview |
| 9:00am | Work on bioengineering projects and presentations |
| 12:00pm | Parent presentation |
| 12:30pm | Pick up |
Purpose and Focus of Girls in STEM
In today’s professional world there is a large gender gap in STEM focused careers. This gender gap is experienced not only in the workforce, but in the pursuit of post-secondary STEM degree programs. The research explains some of the disparities are due to lacking female self-esteem within STEM subjects, limited mentors working within STEM fields, and gender stereotypes within our society and educational system.
Building off of the success of past Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM programs, this unique opportunity focuses on healthcare specific topics while inviting participants to stay overnight on Keystone Science School’s campus. The intent is to create another step in the Girls in STEM continuum of programs further strengthening mentor relationships and girls’ interest in STEM.
Program Goals
- Inspire confidence and leadership in young females through STEM-related fields.
- Incorporate the consensus-building process into interactive, engaging activities, while promoting a positive growth mindset.
- Encourage collaboration between female students and professional mentors.
- Apply learning and use the design thinking process to solve a healthcare related problem.
Program Partners and Sponsors
Special thanks to our sponsors for this program!
