News Blog

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) hosted an annual 8th Grade Girls’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) conference at Yuba College to inspire and empower young women to pursue their educational, personal, and professional goals.

AAUW invited women from many math and science fields to share about the educational requirements, benefits, and responsibilities of their careers with our students.  Among these special speakers were a physical therapist, a laboratory scientist, a bank president, a construction management professor, attorneys, a criminalist, a veterinarian, and more.

Girls first heard an opening address from Amanda Hopper, Sutter County District Attorney. She shared the importance of bravery with the girls and encouraged them to determine what they believe is right and wrong before they are faced with a decision. She also urged them to set goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them.

Afterward, the girls each had a schedule of three different sessions to attend. During these sessions, several of our FCS girls either heard from a professional in a field they would like to pursue (nursing), or decided on a career path (criminalist). Even though some of the girls will likely select jobs that are not associated with the STEM fields, they were all given the opportunity to hear valuable advice from successful women regarding their current grades, people skills, work ethic, and goal-planning.