MILWAUKEE — Statistics show that women remain underrepresented in the physical sciences, computing and engineering.
Currently, about 73% of STEM careers are still dominated by men.
That’s why staff at Riley Construction Group are hoping to inspire young girls to explore a career in STEM.
The group recently introduced fourth grade Girl Scout troops to different construction opportunities in a unique way. They held an event to help the troops earn their STEM career exploration badge.
Scout troops were able to do activities like use a 3D software to design their dream bedroom and learn about physics by building a tower.
Ashley Todd said her dream bedroom would be blue with a desk in it. She’s been a Girl Scout since she was in the first grade.
“I get to do extra after-school activities with my friends, which is nice because then I get to hang out with my friends more,” said Todd.
She said her father is a construction worker, so she enjoyed getting to learn more about the work he does.
A group of female leaders from Riley Construction Group led the event. HR Manager Katie Thiele said it’s important for these girls to be exposed to the opportunities in this field at a young age.
“Typical gender stereotypes would not place them in engineering or even mathematics,” said Thiele. “We want to make sure that they truly understand that these are opportunities for them and they shouldn’t shy away from them.”
While it’s still early to decide what she wants to do in the future, Todd said she’s opening her mind to new ideas.
“I really love horses and horseback riding,” she said. “Maybe I can have a job like this and then own a horse.”
After she earns this badge, she said she might even be able to construct a stable or two herself.