Johns Hopkins APL to Host ‘Girl Power’ STEM Event on March 11

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will host “Girl Power,” a free opportunity for elementary and middle school girls to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), on Sunday, March 11, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on APL’s campus in Laurel, Maryland.

Celebrating its 12th year, Girl Power is supported by the Maryland Space Business Roundtable and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. Nearly 600 girls, along with their families, attended last year’s program.

Women in Technology Central Maryland, an initiative of the Howard County Tech Council, is partnering with APL for the fourth year and providing seven interactive hands-on workshops. APL’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter will introduce several new demos, including “Let’s Learn about Cryptography” and “Tiny Dancer Motors.” Scientists and engineers from APL and organizations such as BioEYES, Northrup Grumman and NSA will offer various displays, and the expo will feature a show by the company Eric Energy called “Cool Science.”

APL’s STEM outreach efforts date back to 1976. Today, its related educational initiatives reach about 3,500 students and community residents yearly, through events like Girl Power and STEM Academy, and programs such as Maryland MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement), ASPIRE high school mentoring, the College Prep Program, and NASA mission education and outreach.

“Girl Power is a great chance to engage students and get them excited about their future by having them meet women who are making a real difference in STEM professions,” said Dwight Carr, APL’s STEM program manager. “It’s always a high energy event with new things every year!”

Girl Power will be held in APL’s Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland. Admission is free, no registration is required, and all family members and the public are welcome to attend. Maps and directions are available at http://www.jhuapl.edu/aboutapl/visitor/directions.asp.

In case of bad weather, check the APL STEM website at www.jhuapl.edu/STEM. For additional information, call 443-778-STEM (7836).

Girl Power is open to the media and offers many photo, video and interview opportunities. Members of the media interested in attending and covering Girl Power are asked to contact Gina.Ellrich@jhuapl.edu by Thursday, March 8.