STEPS Summer Camp for Young Women 2019

NEW STRETCH GOAL - $6,000

Support a young woman, change a life

Despite many gains in achievement and access, women remain largely underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. Why, you ask? Because programs giving them the foundation, mentoring, confidence, encouragement and inspiration to consider these fields are few and far between. University of Detroit Mercy's STEPS (Science, Technology, Engineering Preview Summer) experience is specifically designed to do all these great things and more. But they need your help!

Please take a moment to help us provide scholarships for talented high school young women who can't afford the cost of a program that could be a life changing transformational experience for them. Every dollar of your donation goes directly to reducing the cost of tuition or to providing program elements. Financial support above and beyond our goal provides scholarships for even more students.

"When I was in high school, a school counselor came to me one spring with an opportunity to attend a Summer Camp for girls interested in STEM. Attending that camp was what led me to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering." - Carrie Russell - STEPS Instructor

Why young women and science, technology and engineering?

Young women are less likely than young men to have the kinds of hands-on experiences that encourage exploring science, technology and engineering and social messages reinforce traditional gender ideas of math and science for young men and English and art for young women. In addition, young women have fewer role models in these fields and often do not recognize them as viable career options.

STEPS addresses these missing elements by providing ample hands-on experience with science, technology and engineering activities, relatable role models and peers, and messages that challenge stereotypes about gender and STEM fields. STEPS provides young women a broader vision of what is possible for their lives.

STEPS at Detroit Mercy

University of Detroit Mercy's STEPS experience is a two-week commuter program that introduces and encourages high school young women to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields. This summer program provides opportunities for broadening interest in STEM education and careers through fun, engaging hands-on activities and cutting-edge, relevant experiences. The young women in the program are immersed in:

• EV3 Robotics
• Solidworks software
• Chemistry
• Physics
• 3-D design and printing
• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil/Environmental Engineering

STEPS participants learn more about what STEM professionals do by working in group settings, where they learn the important real-world skill of teamwork. In addition, STEPS targets leadership skills by giving the opportunity for each camper to borrow an EV3 kit for the year. These young women are given guidelines for starting a robotics club and finding a teacher to mentor them and other young women at their home schools. The hope is that members of these clubs will participate in robotics competitions, encouraging and inspiring younger generations of young women to pursue STEM education and careers.

Help us guide and mold or future female STEM students and professionals.

The following is what previous year's participants had to say about the program:

"It was very encouraging to see women like me able to accomplish so much."

"I like that everyone we met at Ford was different; different backgrounds, different goals, and different paths to Ford."

"I like the idea of being a test engineer!"

"I can't wait to see Ford autonomous cars in the streets."

“I want to have the camp longer for three or four weeks.”

“I learned to be open minded; I thought that this camp was going to be boring, but it turned out to be one of my best experiences so far.”

“I would love to have mentors like Ford professional women.”

“I realized how internships are so important.”