Shiyas tells The Zephyr that the purpose of the event is to encourage young girls to become members of the SEA, with hopes that they will go into STEM-related careers after they graduate. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity’s annual report from 2019, women only account for 29% of people in STEM careers. See below for information about the number of men and women in these fields.  

“I wanted to join SEA to figure out what it takes to be an engineer,” says Senior Gabby Subroto. Although she does not plan on going into a STEM field, she is interested in cognitive science and was fascinated by what the Academy had to offer when becoming a freshman. She happily told us that she attended all the events, and that she had a good time. 

Shiyas had more to say about the purpose of the event. “The goal is to encourage more 8th grade girls to consider applying for the Space and Engineering Academy,” she describes, as the program is application-only and is not on the course selection list for incoming freshmen, so many middle schoolers will not see SEA as an option. “Hopefully with Girl’s Night, more girls will be interested in going into and exploring their options in the STEM field.” 

WHS Space and Engineering Academy prepares students for their futures, with activities such as mock interviews and practicing writing a resume. Getting more women involved in the program will not only teach them the skills needed for STEM, but also aid them with their success in any career.   

“We need more women in STEM!” concludes Shiyas.