Women have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) over the years. However, the representation of women in STEM fields remains low. To address this issue, Mitre Corporation introduced the Young Women In Engineering Day (YWED) in 2017. The event aims to inspire and encourage young women to pursue careers in engineering and other STEM fields.
What Is Mitre Corporation?
Mitre Corporation is a non-profit organization that operates multiple research and development centers for the US government. The company is known for providing technical assistance to various government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Purpose Of YWED
YWED is a full-day event that takes place at Mitre’s headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts. The event is open to high school girls from the surrounding area who are interested in STEM fields. The purpose of YWED is to introduce young women to engineering and motivate them to pursue a career in STEM.
The Speakers And Activities
The event features speakers from various STEM fields, including biomedical engineering, software engineering, and aerospace engineering. The speakers share their experiences and insights with the young women, offering advice on how to succeed in their chosen field.
Aside from the speakers, YWED also offers hands-on activities, such as building robots and designing mobile apps. The activities are designed to give the young women a taste of what it’s like to work in a STEM field.
The Impact Of YWED
Since its inception, YWED has had a significant impact on the young women who attend. The event has inspired many to pursue a career in engineering and other STEM fields. One attendee, Rachel, said, “YWED opened my eyes to the possibilities of engineering. Before the event, I didn’t think it was something I could do. But after hearing from the speakers and participating in the activities, I realized that it was a field I wanted to pursue.”
The event has also received recognition from various organizations. In 2020, YWED was awarded the “Sustained Excellence” award by the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council for its impact on young women in the state.
Conclusion
YWED is an excellent initiative by Mitre Corporation to promote women in STEM fields. The event provides young women with a platform to learn about engineering and other STEM fields, interact with professionals, and gain hands-on experience. YWED has made a significant impact on the lives of many young women, inspiring them to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.