102 13-15-year-old girls form local high schools participated in workshops presented by professionals from Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths related Companies. 15 Volunteers from Soroptimist International Clubs gave their time to organise and run the event, which was sponsored again this year by Perkins.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In Education, it means the study of these subjects, either exclusively or in combination. Employers from all sectors are struggling to recruit young people into these key industries, especially women and girls.
Soroptimist Lichfield, organisers of the SKIRTING SCIENCE event, recognise the importance of educating, enabling and empowering young women and girls to reach their potential by considering STEM careers which are traditionally male dominated.
Schools which took part in the day were: Cheslyn Hay, Clayton Hall, Chase Terrace, Nether Stowe, Rawlett, Codsall Middle School and Hart School. Workshops were provided by Workshops presented by Perkins, JCB, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Polymer Science (Wells Plastics), Entrust and Rodbaston College. Teachers from the attending schools; pupils; volunteers and Rodbaston staff had a “very enjoyable and informative day”.
Soroptimist Lichfield Club has already begun the planning for a similar STEM event in 2019.