Bethel Park student Lyla Walsh has taken the initiative to set up a summer engineering camp exclusively for girls, aiming to inspire and increase female representation in engineering fields. Recognizing the gender disparity in engineering, Lyla Walsh designed the camp to engage young girls in hands-on engineering projects and interactive learning experiences. The camp includes activities like building the tallest paper tower and making the sessions fun and educational.
In addition to the interactive projects, the camp features guest appearances by female engineers who provide mentorship and share their professional experiences. This initiative aligns with broader efforts like the Girls Who Code Summer Programs and the Women in Engineering programs at institutions such as the University of Maryland and North Carolina State University. These programs aim to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing young women with the skills, knowledge, and encouragement needed to pursue careers in technology and engineering
Girls’ engineering camps have grown in popularity and impact over the years. These camps aim to bridge the gender gap in engineering by providing hands-on experiences and exposure to the field in an inclusive environment. For example, the Girls in Engineering program at UC Berkeley offers week-long summer camps that introduce middle school girls to various engineering disciplines through interactive projects and real-world problem-solving activities.
Another notable program is the Girls in Engineering & Science Day Camp at Southern Illinois University. This camp targets girls entering 6th to 8th grades and includes hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and interactions with university faculty and students. Activities such as building hovercrafts and robots are designed to spark interest in engineering and science among young participants (SIU Engineering).
The TryEngineering Summer Institute offers programs for commuter and residential high school students. These programs include team-based design challenges, guest speakers, and field trips to engineering sites, providing a comprehensive introduction to engineering careers. The curriculum is crafted by IEEE STEM specialists to inspire and challenge students, preparing them for future academic and career opportunities in engineering (TryEngineering Summer Institute).
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also hosts engineering camps to attract women to the field. These camps provide a mix of hands-on projects and mentorship from female engineers, emphasizing the importance of diversity in engineering and encouraging girls to pursue careers in this area.
These educational camps have a significant role in encouraging girls to explore engineering. By offering them early exposure and support from female role models, they help address the gender disparity in the field.
