Peerless-AV

Feb. 23, 2023 - February 23 marks the annual holiday, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day! Created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), this day takes place during National Engineering Week to emphasize the need for a more inclusive space for women in engineering.

Since the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century, the engineering industry has been consistently male-dominated. In 1951, the NSPE established “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” in hopes of creating a more diverse future for professional engineering and expanding access to an understanding of engineering, education, and careers for all women.

Here are some ways to celebrate Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day 2023:

Start early

It’s never too soon to start introducing girls to the world of STEM. Starting at a young age, encourage girls to explore interest in engineering through playtime, books, learning about topics through conversation, and more. While many Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day activities are geared toward middle school and high school-aged girls, creating a foundation for curiosity to flourish is equally as valuable.

Share scholarship opportunities

One of the main ways this day is celebrated is through a variety of scholarships that support young women in receiving an education in this field. Sharing these opportunities for financial support within your network of engineering professionals or potential students can help reach more young women and provide a more accessible chance to explore this industry.

Set up a time to speak with a mentee

Opening up dialogues about what engineering careers entail and inviting young women to connect with female engineers in the industry is also encouraged to celebrate this day. In fact, 69% of young women who listened to a female mentor speak about their career considered a job in engineering. Offer up your insight to young women who may be interested, or encourage anyone interested to attend events highlighting a speaker in this field.

Encourage special programs

There are also institutions that offer free programs to introduce young women to the world of engineering through developing interest in the various subsets of the field, hands-on activities, and speaking with current students in engineering programs. Spreading the word about these immersive opportunities to explore the possibilities of professional engineering is a great way to support young women in their exploration of the industry.

Keep up with the Society of Women Engineers year-round

The Society of Women Engineers (WES) is a valuable network of women in engineering aimed at supporting a more inclusive space. You can also donate, view scholarships, find events and connect with other women in S.T.E.M.

However you choose to honor Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, Peerless-AV encourages all young women to delve into the possibilities of a career in engineering this day and beyond!