55 eighth grade girls from Bismarck’s three middle schools have been chosen to be part of a new “Stepping into STEM” program.
“STEM” stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
"We're looking at some of these exciting opportunities for these young women and women in industry who are entering some of our non-traditional career fields for women," said Bismarck Public Schools career advisor Laura Henkelman.
Brian Beehler is the assistant principal of the Bismarck Public Schools’ Career and Tech Center. He says industry wants more women in STEM-related jobs.
"It's a win-win," said Beehler. "Because if these girls pursue some of those careers in energy, they're going to have very lucrative careers. And the people in the energy field are going to be more satisfied with the number of females they have working for their industries."
Jasmine Hammond-McCallum is a student at Horizon Middle School. She says she’s interested in technology and science – and in building different things.
"I was looking at a video I had watched in class, and these people were learing how to grow bones, in the lab," said Hammond-McCallum. "That kind of stuck our for me."
Hammond-McCallum says she's interested in biology.
"I like doing hands-on work," said Wachter Middle School eighth grader JaeAnna Lynn Norton. "I like putting things together. It sounded really fun to do, because in school, we don't get to do a lot of hands-on and putting things together as much as we will be doing here."
The students began their day Thursday at the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Execllence, and also visited MDU Resources. Other field trips are planned.
