The stats don’t lie: engineering is a male-dominated field. Data from Zippa says that in the U.S., 15.9% of engineers are female, a figure that has increased just 0.9% since 2010.
While there are numerous formal efforts to get more females to study engineering, one of the hurdles has been to develop a strong peer network where female engineers that have been navigated the difficult gauntlet of becoming an engineer can encourage and mentor other females to study engineering. During National Engineers Week, a week-long series of events sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers to promote the engineering profession, a key event is Girls Day, which this year is February 23.
On Girl Day, volunteers, educators, and others act as role models, facilitate engineering activities, and show girls how engineers change our world. DiscoverE, which is trying to equalize access to STEM programs, resources, and connections, has developed guidelines which help girls develop an interest in engineering, builds their confidence in their problem-solving skills, and creates a STEM identity.
DiscoverE encourages girls, as well as boys from all communities and backgrounds to pique interest in engineering by being role models. Their suggestions include:
-Talking with a child about engineering.
-Visiting with students online or in person.
-Being a mentor or judge.
According to DiscoverE, 69% of girls reported that Girl Day mentors inspired them to consider an engineering career.
The following video shows how one fledgling engineer, Victoria Ibarra, was introduced to “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” at the University of Austin when she was 10 year old. Ibarra hopes to give back by being Girl Day volunteer.