TechGYRLS sparks interest in STEAM fields

GREEN BAY – Over the summer and during the school year afterschool, the non-profit YWCA in Green Bay is providing a STEAM program, with assistance from UScellular.

“TechGYRLS” is open to girls in third through eighth grades to help them learn more about STEAM professions while participating in hands-on activities and speaking with female professionals in each field, at little to no cost.

YWCA Green Bay’s Women’s Empowerment Center Coordinator Catherine Sendelbach said that it has provided a “nice cohort over summer so families can plan for educational opportunities for young girls.”

Since the YWCA has gained many partnerships with local organizations, those participating in the TechGYRLS program have gained exposure to many different fields of study.

Some of their activities include visiting Bellin Health where the girls had different health occupation stations; Schreiber, where the girls learned how they make yogurt; Uscellular, to learn how fast the internet works through cell towers; an engineering site to learn about blueprints and bridges; the Art Garage to learn how math and art are related; and other hands-on experiences. Sendelbach said it is a “unique opportunity to see how STEAM, science, technology, engineering, art, and math, is relevant in the work environment.”

The TechGYRLS program is “designed to spark interest,” Sendelbach added.
She said the young girls are gaining skills and knowledge that help them grow their education, connect it to the workplace and feel confident in sharing what they learn with others.

Sendelbach added, “once you do something unfamiliar and try something new, that’s confidence and self-esteem.”

This program is designed to help young girls feel comfortable in these STEAM environments because they are meeting women leaders who are telling their stories about how they started out like all the young girls and how they became leaders.

The participants are able to ask questions, gain experience with hands-on activities and create a group culture that empowers these young girls.

Through the program, the community is gaining greater awareness about what STEAM is, what it stands for and how it is used in everyday life from different products and resources.

It also has raised interest in adults for career change since they are coming along to learn more as well.

“All are welcome in the STEAM world,” Sendelbach said.

For more information on the YWCA and its programs, contact the Green Bay YWCA or visit www.ywcagreenbay.org.

The Pass it Forward™ internship program is sponsored by the Packers Give Back and Nicolet National Bank.