3.  In advanced ancient civilizations, women’s participation in science and engineering was accepted and respected.  By 1919, there had only been 139 female engineering students in U.S. history.  By 1947, a mere 0.3% of all U.S. engineers were women.  Reasons for this extreme underrepresentation included: › “Biological differences” › Sexism/stereotypes › Barriers to education

4.  Only 27% of those with careers in STEM are female. › 13% female in engineering › 26% female in computer and mathematical sciences › 51% female in biological and medical sciences  Between 1993-2008, the proportion of women whose highest degree was in science or engineering increased from 31% to 38%.  The proportion of women with a career in science and engineering increased from only 21% to 27%.

5.  Stereotypes/Sexism  Lack of Interest  Lack of role models/guidance  Domestic responsibilities  Lack of confidence

6.  Changes to cultural environment  Changes to working environment  Outreach programs for young girls and teens  Support programs for women at the university level

8.  21-year-old program dedicated to educating, empowering, and inspiring underrepresented populations in the STEM fields  Programs for middle school-aged and high school-aged students  Conducted at NC State University’s Science House on Centennial Campus

9.  Assisted with set-up and preparations for two sessions (June 17 th, 19 th, 21 st & July 3 rd )  2 summer sessions › Investigating Renewable Energy Applications: June 24 th -28 th › Everyday Applications of Algebra in a City: July 8 th -12 th  70+ hours spent volunteering

10.  Performed clerical work during camp preparations › Made copies and name badges › Put together students’ binders › Prepared materials for camp activities  1 st Session: Program Assistant › Helped with camp prep every morning › Took pictures for the newsletter › Assisted in science class  2 nd Session: Promoted to Teacher Assistant › Assisted in science class full-time › Chaperoned field trip › Taught mini-lesson on water quality

16.  July 30 th, 9am-4:30 pm  Interned with Lauren Bridgers › Manufacturing Engineer for SPX-Transformer Division › Degree in Mechanical Engineering from ECU  Toured plant and learned about the processes and equipment  Ran errands  Prepared cards for tool boards  Attended meeting on OEE of Blast Booth

18.  Heba Abdel-Rahman › Senior Human Resources Generalist for SPX › Degree in Industrial Engineering from ECU  Provided support, advice, and guidance › Helped me with developing strategies to increase the girls’ engagement and confidence at Imhotep › Provided insight on what I will experience as a female engineering student in college › Arranged my interning opportunity

19. Challenges  Finding a mentor  Devoting 2+ weeks of my summer to Senior Project  Being viewed as professional due to my young age Successes  Making a positive difference in children's lives  Networking connections  Discovering a passion

20.  The challenges that I will face, both in college and the workplace, as a female engineer  The resources available for females in STEM  How to write a formal research paper  My aptitude in working with children in an academic setting