GRRL Tech offers students career insight into STEM industries

With record-breaking attendance, Tech Collective's 10^th annual GRRL Tech event today welcomed more than 525 female high school students as well as over 90 educators and business professionals to the Roger Williams University Bristol campus.

“STEM education is an increasing concern for both our students and our workforce”

Presented by Tech Collective, Rhode Island's industry association for Information Technology and Bioscience, GRRL Tech (Girls Reaching Remarkable Levels) is an interactive technology expo offering female high school students an engaging look into dynamic and rewarding technology opportunities. Through industry mentoring and hands-on workshops, GRRL Tech aims to encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning, break down gender myths and offer career insight into STEM industries.

As the need to remain competitive in a global marketplace continues to rise, STEM education has been a growing initiative across the United States. In New England, the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) has continually shown Rhode Island students testing well below average: in 2008, only 17% of 11^th grade Rhode Island students tested at or above proficiency in science; in 2010, scores increased to 20% proficiency. Recently awarded federal Race to the Top funding (up to $75M) will be a significant component in addressing Rhode Island STEM education and proficiency.

GRRL Tech, including the full-tuition Roger Williams University GRRL Tech Scholarship award, is part of Tech Collective and RWU's commitment to increasing awareness and participation in the STEM fields. Ruth Champagne, Ph.D., an accomplished mathematics educator, author of a series of math books for children and wife of RWU President Ronald O. Champagne, Ph.D., awarded this year's scholarship. Mrs. Champagne presented the scholarship award, valued at $111,000, to Kate Farinha, a junior at Seekonk High School.

Ms. Farinha was selected by the GRRL Tech Committee for her enthusiastic scholarship essay addressing the topic of using STEM to "Go Green." Combining her passion for nature, technology, mathematics, and design, Ms. Farinha aims to pursue a career in Sustainable Architecture to "create sustainable 'green' homes, offices, and other buildings… by using renewable resources, still while conserving them for the future," and enhancing the economy, environment and community.

"STEM education is an increasing concern for both our students and our workforce," said Kathie Shields, executive director of Tech Collective. "And for girls, the learning curve is even greater. Traditional stereotypes and a lack of awareness and resources have contributed to creating the staggering statistic that only one of every four technology professionals is a woman. However, with the generosity of our business professionals and the RWU staff, faculty and scholarship award, GRRL Tech aims to change this fact, providing girls with the resources, role models and forum to learn about the STEM fields and how they apply to everyday lives and careers."

"Roger Williams University stands fully committed to the future of Rhode Island," said President Champagne. "Partnering with Tech Collective to host this inspiring program and offering the full-tuition scholarship are ideal ways to express that. GRRL Tech encourages these young women to explore science and technology careers, two areas in which the University is well positioned to share its expertise. I know this event will make a lasting impact on these future leaders."

This year, GRRL Tech also featured 20 student workshops held in conjunction with Roger Williams University faculty and female professionals working in STEM fields. Five exciting new workshops were featured at the expo, including: Technology and Law Enforcement in conjunction with the Bristol Police Department; Forensic Accounting - Looking Behind the Numbers; and The Glass Sphere Challenge, an engineering workshop where students conducted a "transport challenge" using common materials and a glass orb. Additional workshops ranged from marine science at RWU's newly renovated Wet Lab to mathematics, solar power, biology, robotics, and graphic design. Students' educators and guidance counselors attended the workshops as well as an educator session offering local STEM resources and programs.

GRRL Tech's Keynote Speaker, Dr. Janet Buhlmann, Director of Molecular Immunology for EpiVax, delivered the opening keynote address, discussing what piqued her interest in science and the education pathways she pursued as a result. She encouraged students to follow their own career paths while supporting one another along the way. Dr. Buhlmann herself provides that support by speaking at local high schools and serving on the Mentoring Circle committee for the Association for Women in Science (AWIS).

Today's GRRL Tech event marks its fifth appearance at Roger Williams University, as well as its fifth RWU full-tuition scholarship award.