Girls urged to consider science careers

Middle school girls and their parents are invited to STEMtastics 2015, a career day event aimed at encouraging girls in Fairfax County to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

STEMtastics will be held on Saturday, March 21, at the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 8:15 a.m.-noon. Registration is now open online and will close on March 14, or earlier if capacity is reached.

Last year more than 500 students and parents attended the sold-out event. The registration fee is $15 (or $5 for students on the free/reduced-price lunch program).

Female presenters currently working in STEM fields will lead hands-on workshops for students, while parents have the opportunity to attend informational workshops related to high school resources, college financing, and opportunities for parental support. The event will open with a keynote address by an inspiring high school senior.

STEMtastics 2015 is sponsored by the Fairfax City, McLean Area, Springfield-Annandale, and Vienna Area branches of AAUW (American Association of University Women) in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools and NVCC’s SySTEMemic Solutions initiative. AAUW is committed to encouraging women and girls to pursue STEM fields, since jobs in these areas provide opportunities for women’s financial security, growth, and development.