DOOR COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - The Boys & Girls Club of Door County’s innovative "STEAM for Girls of the Future" program has been honored with the 2024 State Program Award by Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin, recognizing its efforts to close gender gaps in STEAM education. The 10-week summer program, which served 49 girls ages 8-11, has been celebrated for its forward-thinking approach to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education. It aims to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and tech leaders. Manufacturing plant in northern Wisconsin to close before end of the year, laying off 57 employees Participants engaged in hands-on learning, connected with female professionals in STEAM fields and explored career opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence and environmental science. “Women make up just 28% of the STEAM workforce in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Schmidt, Program Services and Training Specialist for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region and creator of the program. “Only around 21% of engineering majors and 19% of computer and information science majors are women. This program plants seeds to cultivate the next scientist who will cure cancer or the next AI technician to develop smart homes.” (Door County Boys & Girls Club) (Door County Boys & Girls Club) By showcasing women in STEAM careers, Schmidt noted, the program helps young girls envision their own success in these fields. The program’s impact is evident in its outcomes. Eighty-one percent of participants scored medium to very high in STEAM efficacy, surpassing the national average of 64%. Additionally, 90% reported enjoying science projects, and 80% expressed curiosity about science, computers, or technology. Highlights included hands-on experiments, engineering projects, mentorships with local STEAM professionals, field trips to industrial manufacturers, innovation competitions modeled after Shark Tank, and activities in robotics and coding. Green Bay Packers Foundation awards $1.5 million in grants at annual luncheon The program was made possible through a community grant from the Women’s Fund of Door County. “The support from the Women’s Fund has been instrumental in empowering our youth and expanding opportunities for local children,” said Kacie Mueller, Development Director of the Boys & Girls Club. “Their commitment helps us break barriers and inspire young people to explore what’s possible.”