“I realized from this camp that health care was an interesting and exciting field,” says Katie. “The camp taught me about all the different professions and what they involved, which is something I probably wouldn’t have learned on my own until much later in life.”

Global research shows that women are underrepresented in STEAM industries. For example, according to the National Science Board, despite making up half of the college-educated workforce, women in recent years accounted for less than one-third of those employed in science and engineering. Research also shows that engaging girls in STEAM activities between ages 10 and 14 influences them to seek careers in one of the five fields.