(Ellicott City, MD) – Howard County Library System (HCLS) is pleased to announce that it will be producing a series of exhibits, events, and activities from January through June of 2023 that are designed to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers.
According to HCLS President & CEO Tonya Aikens, the initiative “cultivates an environment for girls to engage in STEM, instill confidence, shatter stereotypes, and unlock creativity while contributing to a culture shift of women leading in STEM”. Aikens notes the new initiative is aligned with “HCLS’ mission of providing high-quality education for all and its commitment to equity”. Currently, women constitute half of the college-educated workforce but make up just twenty-five percent of the STEM industry.
The new programming coming in 2023 is funded by the IF/THEN® initiative and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) grant. This funding, made possible by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, will support new displays and events at three HCLS branches. The projects feature 10 women ambassadors as relatable STEM role models whose stories are proof that women can break barriers in any career.
