YWCA Northern New Jersey Launches Initiatives Empowering Girls to Explore Science and Technology During National STEM Month
Hackensack, NJ - In celebration of National STEM Month, YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) is engaging young girls to shatter stereotypes and ignite passions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Recognizing that women make up only about 28% of the entire STEM workforce, YWCANNJ is deeply committed to elevating the significance of STEM education and inspiring women and girls to pursue fulfilling careers in these fields.
On November 2nd, YWCANNJ proudly partnered with Ulta Beauty to host ‘Pretty Empowered,’ a free hands-on experience designed for girls aged 9 to 15 years old. Participants delved into the world of cosmetic science and supply chain logistics, creating their own Ulta Beauty products. Approximately 70 girls attended and engaged in a unique opportunity to explore STEM careers and build confidence.
On November 16th, YWCANNJ hosted its annual ‘Shaping the Future of STEM’ interactive workshop in partnership with Stevens Institute of Technology. The half-day event focuses on empowering girls aged 9 to 14 years old to explore STEM career paths through engaging presentations and hands-on activities. Research shows that by college, women are significantly underrepresented in STEM majors — with women comprising only about 21% of engineering majors and 19% of computer and information science majors. This annual event aims to challenge gender norms, encourage creativity, and pave the way for the next generation of women leaders in these fields.
“STEM has traditionally been a male-dominated field, and YWCANNJ is committed to not just changing this narrative but encouraging girls and women to use their voices and talents to shape the future of technology,” stated YWCA Northern New Jersey CEO Helen Archontou. “Representation is a critical step in empowering the next generation of women leaders in STEM. We believe events like ours create pathways and access, which will provide further economic opportunities within the field. Through our initiatives, we hope to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire change for the future.
YWCANNJ thanks its sponsors Ulta Beauty and Fairleigh Dickinson University for ‘Pretty Empowered,’ and Stevens Institute of Technology, Visions Federal Credit Union and Veolia for ‘Shaping the Future of STEM.’ To learn more about YWCANNJ’s programming and events, please visit www.ywcannj.org.
About YWCA Northern New Jersey
For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey has improved the lives of thousands of women, girls, and families and is on the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. We work to build more just and inclusive communities through programs for women and girls, anti-racism training, and policy advocacy. We operate healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center (hotline number: 201-487-2227) and provide year-round child care, and senior wellness programs. YWCA Northern New Jersey serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. To learn more, visit ywcannj.org and follow @ywcannj on social media.