Summer program works to cultivate STEM confidence in St. Paul girls

St. Paul Public Schools is working to inspire fifth- and sixth-grade girls to become future scientists and engineers.

Working with Project Scientist, a group of students has spent the past two weeks in a summer program aiming to prepare young girls to work in science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM — careers.

The U.S. Department of Commerce says women hold less than 25% of STEM jobs.

“We work with over 500 female STEM professionals a year and they serve as STEM superstars. Every day, our girls meet a different STEM professional,” Project Scientist Founder Sandy Marshall said.

The organization is working to close the national gender gap in STEM careers.