One Woman’s Quest to Close the Gender Gap

Chemical Engineer Forms an All-Girls Camp to Get More Girls Involved in STEM When It Counts

The Problem

The need for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is crucial. While the STEM industry has seen significant growth over the past decade, the number of women represented in computer occupations has decreased from 32 percent in 1990 to 25 percent today. Though initiatives to close the STEM gender gap have had modest success, there is still much to be done to reach gender parity.

Stephanie Wicks, chemical engineer and regulatory manager at Hewlett-Packard, witnessed this gap first hand in her day-to-day meetings and work interactions. As a mother of a son and daughter, Wicks wanted the same opportunities for both. So, she went in search of a way to introduce girls to innovation at a young age, hoping to increase the number of women in STEM professions. She contacted the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) for help.

“Early exposure is critical to set the standard for young minds,” Wicks said. “My dad had a big influence in my life, so I always looked at the boys as my equals. That’s really important.”

The Solution

According to research from Opportunity Insights, society can level the innovation playing field by introducing young girls to invention and female inventors at an early age, when their imagination has no boundaries. Wicks understood that our Camp Invention® program, like all NIHF education programs, provides hands-on opportunities to explore STEM concepts and learn more about innovation and inventors. She felt that creating an all-girl camp experience was a perfect solution to help close the gender gap in STEM. Camp Invention, NIHF’s flagship program, exposes rising K-6 students to the process of inventing, collaboration, creative problem solving and entrepreneurship. Introducing young girls to innovation through Camp Invention not only inspires them to innovate, but helps develop a child’s confidence, willingness to persevere and leadership abilities.

“Each year, Camp Invention’s curriculum is better than the last, but it still has the same imagination, engagement and creativity,” Wicks said. “Campers are learning, but they’re also having fun. It’s important for children to have fun while learning new skills; not just memorize and repeat information.”

Did You Know?

Like Wicks, NIHF Inductee Carolyn Bertozzi is also committed to promoting gender diversity within the STEM industry. Over her more than 20 years of running a research lab in Berkeley, she’s become a mentor for young chemists who will one day become leaders themselves.

“I think it’s important for women in science to be role models and mentors to other younger women, Bertozzi said. I would argue it’s equally important for women to serve as role models for younger men. And I think it’s quite profound that men are trained in my lab, and that I’m a mentor…and I think at some point, when they grow into their own leadership roles, it will be important they understand that women are every bit as capable of being leaders as men are.

For more information about NIHF’s hands-on STEM education programs, including Camp Invention, visit our website.