DURHAM, N.C. — An American Heart Association initiative is working to inspire the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

What You Need To Know

  • The STEM Goes Red program brought 100 middle school girls to Durham Technical Community College on Friday to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

  • The students participated in mentoring sessions and hands-on learning activities

  • Women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, says Debra Lowder of the American Heart Association, which organized the educational program

On Friday, the STEM Goes Red initiative returned for its fifth year, bringing 100 middle school girls to Durham Technical Community College for an exciting, hands-on experience designed to spark career interest.

Debra Lowder, an executive director for the American Heart Association, says women are underrepresented in STEM careers, leading to problems in research. 

"More women die of heart disease and all cancers combined,” Lowder said. “Women [are] really underrepresented in research and everything like that; more young women need to be at the table." 

Through mentoring sessions and interactive hands-on learning activities, the students gained insight into the world of STEM.

“What’s special about today is that these students will leave with something that could ignite a passion — if just one spark leads them to a career, that’s a success,” Lowder said.

Among these middle schoolers, Casey Adams from Reedy Creek Magnet Middle School is confident that she has a bright future.

“I do believe that all of us have a purpose,” Adams said. “For the women that's out there, that is afraid speak out, because they think that it's a man thing that they're doing ... it doesn’t matter.”

The program is designed to break down barriers and show young women that a career in STEM isn’t just possible — it’s within reach. Organizers hope that it will continue to inspire more young women to pursue their passions in STEM. The American Heart Association says women make up only 25% of the workforce in STEM-related careers.

“It’s so exciting to see so many students here today, and to have them on a college campus — it’s an amazing experience for them,” Lowder said.

The program is working to create a supportive and inspiring environment where these young girls can discover their passions and build their confidence. For more information about STEM Goes Red and the American Heart Association’s ongoing efforts to support women in STEM, visit their website.