Minuteman to host Girls in STEM Camp from February 20-23, 2018

By Judy Bass

Are you a 7th- or 8th-grade girl who likes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and wants to learn more about them in a supportive, female-oriented environment? Do you enjoy doing projects that are both fun and educational? Do you want to meet other girls with similar interests? Are you interested in finding out about career paths in STEM?

Then register now for the Girls in STEM camp at Minuteman High School in Lexington that will be held from February 20-23, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.

This event featuring hands-on learning experiences is sponsored by Minuteman’s Girls in STEM Club, which consists of outstanding young women certified in mentoring who are currently being mentored themselves by successful female STEM professionals. Minuteman’s Girls in STEM are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with middle-school girls who want to pursue and advance in STEM fields.

Launched in February 2015, the Girls in STEM initiative at Minuteman has earned both state and national awards for excellence in student-to-student mentoring including recognition from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and two consecutive Grand Prizes from SkillsUSA, a national organization that holds trade and leadership competitions for students in career and technical schools.

Major local media outlets such as the Boston Globe and New England Cable News (NECN) have spotlighted Girls in STEM at Minuteman.

The push to get more girls interested in STEM professions and education has come about due to the under-representation of females in those areas. “What we’re doing is answering a need out there,” said Minuteman Director of Career and Technical Education Michelle Roche. She has been instrumental in the implementation of Girls in STEM at Minuteman, along with Girls in STEM Advisors Sarah Ard and Nina Griffin.

The overall intent, added Ms. Roche, is “just to create a positive environment for girls to use their voice and feel safe and comfortable in that environment. With all females, the competition goes away, and it’s just about the work at hand. Empowering them, that’s what this is all about.” She defined the mission of Girls in STEM at Minuteman succinctly: “We need to do everything we can to support girls and lift them up. They’re learning what it takes to be successful.”

This program is free to seventh- and eighth-grade girls in the Minuteman district, which includes Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Bolton, Concord, Dover, Lancaster, Lexington, Needham and Stow. Bus transportation is available to in-district students. Students not in-district must pay a $149 fee and provide their own transportation.

Please go to www.minuteman.org under the Admissions tab to register online for Girls in STEM. Seats are limited, so apply early. To register, please click on "STEM Camp February 2018" and fill out the form. Checks will be collected the first day of the camp and should be made out to Minuteman. For more information, please contact Michelle Roche at (781) 861-6500 X7326.

Minuteman is an award-winning regional high school that integrates robust academic and career & technical learning to deliver a revolutionary competitive advantage. The school serves a diverse student body with multiple learning styles, expanding opportunities for college and career success. As an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC), Minuteman challenges all students to aspire to their full potential, accelerate their learning, and achieve success in the 21st-century global community.