Johns Hopkins APL to Host “Girl Power” STEM Event on March 9

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will be hosting a free introductory event for middle and high school girls about careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on Sunday, March 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on APL’s Laurel, Md., campus. “Girl Power” is a collaborative, annual effort between APL, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County and the Maryland Space Business Roundtable. More than 750 girls attended last year’s program.

This year, the event will feature 30-minute workshops on cyber situational awareness and women in aerospace. Girls will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from local companies and colleges about STEM careers and majors. Attendees can also try several hands-on activities, including building their own hovercraft and learning about material, mechanical and structural engineering from APL’s Society of Women Engineers. A workshop on applying to college and a science show will also be offered.

The Applied Physics Lab’s STEM outreach efforts date back to 1976. Today, its related educational initiatives reach more than 4,000 students yearly through Girl Power as well as a computer programming class, Maryland MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program, NASA education outreach programs, the ASPIRE high school mentoring program and a college prep program.

“Girl Power is a great way for young women to learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” says Dwight Carr, APL’s STEM program manager. “Helping our nation’s youth embrace technical careers will strengthen our national security and promote innovation.”

Girl Power will be held in APL’s Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd., Laurel, Md. Directions can be found on the APL Visitor’s Guide webpage. In the event of bad weather or for additional information, call 443-778-STEM (7836). No registration is required.