With the help of teachers, role models and new clubs, the number of girls at Sidwell participating in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities has increased in recent years.
From clubs like Girls in STEM to more female participation in clubs such as Robotics, ACSL and CS, students have utilized these opportunities to gain more interest and knowledge within these fields. Within the Sidwell STEM curriculum, female students have become more interested in topics such as computer science, physics, chemistry and biology. Electives such as History of Science and Technology and Engineering/Computer Science continue to spark an interest in many students as well.
Role models such as teachers, parents, faculty and administrators have helped students thrive, learn and help others pursue their goals within STEM. According to Clara Piloto, Director of Global Programs at MIT Professional Education, “Having visible female role models in STEM is crucial to inspiring and encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers. Organizations should prioritize diversity in their hiring and promotion practices to increase representation at all levels of leadership.”
At Sidwell, many teachers have shaped female students’ lives and had a huge impact on their goals in STEM. In an ever-evolving world, it is crucial to keep female students interested in STEM by providing role models to pursue STEM as a career or as an interest.
Upper School Physics and Biology Teacher Cecilia Laguarda chose to lead a career in STEM. As a female teacher and a former student at Sidwell, she was able to do this with the encouragement of her role models as she grew up and teachers she met during her academic education. Seeing how Sidwell changed her view of STEM and her ability to pursue a career in the field, she hopes to inspire other students to do the same.
. When asked about her experience at Sidwell, Senior Ishnoor Bakshi said, “It’s been really good, the CS classes are really nice, and I have grown as a girl in STEM by having amazing teachers.” As a senior with a passion for science, math and technology, she has led many activities in STEM across Sidwell and hopes for more girls to do so in the future.
Other students have also gained interest in STEM due to the variety of programs. For example, magazines like Girls x STEM and clubs like Robotics have gained interest. In Robotics, many girls channel their passion for CS and technology to work with their team and create robots.
However, even with the advancement in Sidwell and beyond, females in STEM have always faced challenges. MIT educators say, “Despite progress in gender equity and growing interest over the last decade in computer science, engineering, math, and statistics among both men and women, the underrepresentation of women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields continues to persist.”
According to an MIT article, the gender gap in STEM remains significant, with women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce (as of 2023).
In the future, it is important that Sidwell continues fostering interest in STEM for girls to promote equal opportunities and break barriers.
