WRITTEN BY: JENNA ANDERSON

Both boys and girls perform equally in math and science classes, however, as girls get older they drop out of STEM classes at far greater rates. One of the many factors surrounding the lack of girls and women who pursue STEM is the outdated stereotype that STEM is masculine. When boys are seen as having more of an aptitude for math and science, girls feel insufficient. That is why it is becoming increasingly important to change the narrative of STEM programs and careers. These 5 videos discuss why girls can and should pursue STEM and the many different world-changing things they can do with a STEM degree.  

ONWiE: Want to Change the Perception of Engineering?

This video from ONWiE explores the stereotypes surrounding what an engineer looks like and what jobs they perform. Young girls are asked to describe different professions, including an engineer. Some of the girls are unsure what exactly an engineer does; others describe an engineer as someone who works with machinery and blueprints. ONWiE then provides real women engineering role models who tell their unique stories. The video shows how engineers are creative, solve problems and work in teams. The goal of this video is to change the narrative of engineering and educate young girls about the many different opportunities an engineer has.

Black Girls Code: Bridging the Digital Divide

This video from Black Girls Code addresses the issue that black women make up only 3% of the computing workforce in the USA. By showing girls and women of colour who code it provides a more diverse set of role models that can appeal to a broader range of girls. Girls and women of colour face additional barriers of entry into STEM programs, therefore, intersectionality (how individuals may experience multiple forms of prejudice simultaneously) is an important topic that also needs to be addressed in the discussion of diversity. 

Danica McKellar: Are You the Girl from “The Wonder Years”?

This video from NOVA’s Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers features Danica McKellar, television sweetheart from The Wonder Years, telling her story of how she chose to become a mathematician with the help of a supportive teacher. She speaks about how she didn’t feel like she was the right 'type' of person to pursue STEM even though she scored at the top of her class.  McKellar advocates that women can be strong and capable in any STEM field they choose.  

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

This video from USC Viterbi School of Engineering compares engineers to superheroes by providing examples of real-life engineers and the work they are doing. Engineers are like superheroes because they help people recover from injuries, they help people who are chronically ill, they turn ocean water into clean drinking water, they fight cancer, they make flying safer and they protect people. This video aims to change the discussion around engineering from what they do to why it is important. Girls have been found to connect more with careers when they know why it is important and how it can help their communities. Read more about how wording can be used to engage girls.

This video from DiscoverE features six women engineers from Bechtel, ExxonMobil, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and TE Connectivity talking about why they love their careers. These inspiring women talk about how engineering involves creativity, curiosity, teamwork, opportunities and helping others. The goal of the video is to change the narrative of engineering because studies have found that girls don’t know what engineering is, think engineers have to be exceptional and both math and science, and believe that engineering is difficult and challenging.  By providing real life women role models DiscoverE hopes to deliver a powerful message that engineering can be for everyone. 

Everyone needs to work together to change the stereotypes surrounding STEM. Share these videos with the young women in your life and help increase the number of women who choose to pursue STEM. For more outreach organizations, activities and events that support girls and women in STEM visit our Resources Page.