On Jan. 15, the Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW-OML) will host Bunmi Esho, California executive director of Techbridge Girls, who will speak on how to prepare girls for a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The event will take place at the Lafayette Library Community Hall from 6:30-8 p.m.
Techbridge Girls is a nonprofit launched in 2000 with the goal of educating and equipping girls from low-income communities with high-quality STEM programs that empower them to achieve economic freedom. The organization also works to support educators with training and STEM resources.
Representatives for Techbridge Girls note that, “It is hard to overestimate the need for programs that help girls foster a love for science and technology. Given the barriers and challenges, it is critical to provide support to girls in the steps they need to reach a STEM career.” Esho, who calls herself “an eternal STEM advocate” and has a background in science education and hands-on learning, plans to address these steps in her lecture.
The event will also give attendees the opportunity to learn about other AAUW programs geared toward the next generation of innovators.
The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) Conference for middle school girls is March 23 at Saint Mary’s College and AAUW’s Tech Trek Camp for seventh grade girls will be held in Summer 2019 at Stanford
University.
Young women graduating from Lamorinda public high schools can apply for AAUW-OML college scholarships and Saint Mary’s College undergraduates can apply for scholarships to attend AAUW’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in May of this year.
Admission to the speaking event is free and open to the public. Parents and teachers of girls interested in a STEM career are encouraged to attend.
AAUW is a nonprofit organization of more than 170,000 members nation-wide seeking to empower women and girls through research, education and advocacy.
For more information, visit AAUW-OML’s website at: https://oml-ca.aauw.net or email Marty Schimbor at mgschimbor@comcast.net.
