EngineerGirl

EngineerGirl. EngineerGirl is a multifaceted outreach initiative designed to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Managed by the National Academy of Engineering, it serves as a vital online hub and programmatic resource aimed at middle and high school students. The program combats gender disparities in the field by providing information, role models, and interactive opportunities that highlight the creativity and societal impact of engineering.

Overview

EngineerGirl operates as a cornerstone program of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the prestigious United States National Academies. Its primary audience is girls in grades 3 through 12, with content tailored to be engaging and accessible at different educational levels. The initiative leverages the authority and network of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to connect students with authentic experiences and professionals. Core offerings include a comprehensive website, an annual writing contest, profiles of diverse women engineers, and detailed resources about various engineering disciplines such as biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, and environmental engineering.

History and mission

The program was launched in 2001 following a landmark study by the National Academy of Engineering titled "Changing the Conversation: Messages for Improving Public Understanding of Engineering." This research highlighted the need for more effective messaging to attract diverse talent to the field. EngineerGirl was created as a direct response, with a mission to bring national attention to the opportunities for women in engineering and to alter perceptions among students, parents, and educators. Its founding aligns with broader national efforts, such as those championed by the National Science Foundation and the Society of Women Engineers, to increase gender diversity in STEM fields. Over the decades, it has evolved from a basic informational site into a dynamic platform featuring interactive elements and sustained engagement opportunities.

Programs and activities

A flagship activity is the annual EngineerGirl Writing Contest, which challenges students to explore engineering concepts and their societal implications, with winners recognized by the National Academy of Engineering. The website hosts an extensive "Try on a Career" section and a "Ask an Engineer" feature that facilitates direct communication with professionals from companies like NASA, Boeing, and Google. The program regularly spotlights Hispanic engineers, Black engineers, and other underrepresented groups through interviews and career profiles. Additional resources include lesson plans for educators, detailed descriptions of engineering majors, and information about prestigious scholarships like the Goldwater Scholarship and internships at institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

Impact and recognition

EngineerGirl has reached millions of students and educators worldwide, contributing to a measurable increase in awareness and interest in engineering careers among young women. It has been cited as a model program in reports by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Congressional Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology Development. The initiative's writing contest has garnered submissions from across the United States and numerous other countries, including Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. Its success is often highlighted in conjunction with the work of allied organizations like Project Lead The Way and AnitaB.org, and it has influenced similar outreach efforts by corporations and professional societies such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Related organizations

EngineerGirl collaborates with and is supported by a wide network of institutions dedicated to STEM education and diversity. Key partners include the National Science Foundation, which funds related research and workforce development programs. Professional societies like the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers are essential allies in outreach and mentorship. Other related initiatives include Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and the SciGirls program on PBS. The program's work is also aligned with larger federal efforts coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the U.S. Department of Education.

Category:Engineering organizations Category:Women in technology Category:Educational organizations based in Washington, D.C.