Press Release
Washington, D.C. – The American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host experiments and hands-on activities at the first-ever USA Science & Engineering Festival expo October 23–24 as part of AAUW's ongoing efforts to engage girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The free event will feature more than 1,500 activities and 75 stage shows on the National Mall, with more than 500 leading science and engineering organizations participating. AAUW will offer activities for children, stories of inspiring female scientists, and information about AAUW programs that encourage girls to explore the fascinating fields of science and math.
"Supporting women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is part of our DNA," said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman. "Throughout our history, AAUW has encouraged women to study and work in these traditionally male-dominated fields by distributing millions of dollars in graduate fellowships and grants and engaging in research, programming, and advocacy to break through barriers for women and girls who are in these fields."
The 2010 AAUW research report Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics has helped spur a national dialogue about why women are so underrepresented in STEM fields while offering recommendations on how to increase accessibility and engagement for girls and women.
AAUW has a long history of supporting women in these fields, from granting Marie Curie funds to purchase one gram of radium for her experiments in the early 20th century to the organization's current leadership in the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP). With the support of the National Science Foundation, AAUW and the NGCP are linking successful but overtaxed programs, allowing them to pool resources and share best practices for getting — and keeping — girls interested in STEM. Thanks to NGCP's nationwide network and 14 regional collaboratives, more than 1,600 programs representing 3.5 million girls are sharing their experiences, learning from each other, and working together to address gender disparity in the science and math fields.
"We have been in the trenches working on this issue for decades," said Gloria Blackwell, AAUW's director of fellowships, grants, and international programs. "Math and science skills are important for everyone and are crucial to our country's economic and competitive future. It's so gratifying to see more and more people come to finally realize this truth. This national event is yet another step in the right direction."
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.
