Ensuring that girls have as many opportunities in and out of the classroom as boys do should always be a top priority for schools.
At Helix Charter High School, some of those opportunities come with the school’s Girls in STEM club. (STEM stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.”)
Jennifer Underwood is a math teacher and staff advisor to the Girls in STEM club, which meets each Tuesday afternoon on campus.“I’ve been supporting the Girls in STEM program here for three years,” she said.
This year, she was joined by her colleague, science teacher Elleny Slipich, as co-advisor.
“Our role is to mentor students, empower our club officers in leadership, and connect them with opportunities that inspire curiosity and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math.
As Underwood went on to point out, STEM revolves around problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration.
“It goes beyond the classroom,” Underwood said. “For our students, it builds confidence, exposes them to real-world careers, and opens doors to future opportunities in college, internships, and beyond.”
With some fifty girls taking advantage of STEM offerings at Helix, the interest level is strong and continues to grow.
“Our Girls in STEM club has done everything from hands-on activities like slime and ice cream making, to hearing from speakers in cybersecurity and genetics, to attending events like the BIMS (Blacks in Marine Science) conference at the Scripps Aquarium and Fleet Week,” Underwood said. “Students are excited to explore, learn, and see themselves in future STEM careers.”
For student Asma Abukar, joining the club has turned out to be a good decision.
“What got me interested in GIS is the community I know it would provide,” said Abukar. “Knowing that there is a group of girls that would be there to support each other while trying to overcome the gender gap and fight for opportunity in male-dominated fields, was something I found very comforting.”
Fellow student Roneya Khaleel noted, “What got me interested was the encouraging and STEM-focused environment. Being surrounded by other girls who share my passion for STEM allowed me to feel supported and inspired me to keep exploring.”
As student Abigail Gedione sees it, being in the club was a good choice for her, too.
“Being in GIS allows me to develop crucial problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills through hands-on coursework, which will provide a strong foundation for advanced studies and prepare me for the team-based work required in a future career in STEM,” she said.
With more choices opening up for girls and young women in and out of the classroom, the Helix Girls in STEM club is a good launching point for those with an eye towards success.
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