Did you know that women make up only 10-30% of the current STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) workforce? Or, that one of the biggest barriers for girls to develop their careers in STEM is their own confidence? With these startling statistics in mind, and a group of determined women leaders, the Junior League of Boston is looking to influence young girls to advance their careers in STEM.

The Junior League of Boston created the JL Boston STEM community service program for middle school girls to experience the enthralling world of STEM. Currently, JL Boston has STEM programming available in Dorchester and East Boston.  Junior League of Boston’s STEM for Girls program runs in Fall and Spring for 6-7 weeks. Girls are encouraged to ask questions, experiment and be a part of a movement to encourage today’s girls to be leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. They are building confidence, making new friends, and problem solving, all in the care of Junior League members.

Each week, girls participate in hands-on activities and exciting field trips related to each field. Recently, the girls went on a field trip to The Makery where they built their own miniature light houses as part of the program’s engineering program.

Mary Jo (MJ) Germanos, this year’s chair for STEM East Boston, is thrilled with the program and the rewarding feeling of witnessing the girl’s accomplishments and growth. “This year we’ve been focused on developing deeper relationships with our girls, which has been a major benefit in hosting a smaller group (approx. 20) from last year (initially 40). We’re pleased to see so many familiar faces, and excited to have welcomed in so many new ones. I’ve observed so much personal growth in these young ladies. Their independence, confidence, and motivation is really blossoming and it’s been rewarding to witness. Our volunteers have put so much time and care into creating fun and interactive lesson plans; everyone seems to have been enjoying themselves.”

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By Pamela Lynch

On Thursday December 10th, Junior League of Boston (JL Boston) held its first Tech Training—a new series that give members useful technology skills and knowledge.  Paula Jacobs, MIT Alumna, Founder of JL Boston’s Geek Girls Circle, trained the group in an introduction to HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The training was interactive and very outcome oriented; members walked away proud of their initial work.  Check out the calendar for upcoming trainings: HERstory of Computing is up next.

Boston, named by Forbes as one of the top ten innovative tech hubs of the U.S., is a great location to maximize JL Boston members’ capabilities and improve our community.  Through Tech Trainings and local Innovation and Entrepreneurial Speakers, JL Boston plans to teach members how to solve social problems using new ideas, leveraging Tech skills and expanding members’ toolkits.  JL Boston members will have opportunities to train, learn and engage in discussions on technical skills, and how women can make an impact.

“The lack of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is a recognized problem in the industry.  Growing up, I remember it not being “cool” to be into calculus and programming.  I always wanted to change that perception.  I am so happy that we are adding this skill set into the Junior League toolkit.  We are hoping that as this program evolves, we can provide this service to the girls we work with and help develop the next generation of girls in STEM.” – Luba Gilpatric, JL Boston Technology Manager and Board of Directors Appointee.

While boys and girls alike show equal interest in STEM learning, research shows that Engineering and Computer Science jobs held by women are less than 30% and Biological and Biomedical Sciences are around 50%. To address this via direct community service work JL Boston’s Research and Development committee is developing a STEM initiative to work with girls to foster their curiosity and build their confidence around these subjects. As Boston continues to lead the way in tech innovation, JL Boston is proud to contribute to the development of tomorrow’s women leaders.

Pamela (Giasson) Lynch has been in the Junior League of Boston for 6 years.  She currently serves as President-Elect and professionally, she is a Director of Engineering at a technology startup in Cambridge, MA.

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