Seven Southern Local Jr. High School students attended the STEM Goes Red event at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in Rootstown on Dec. 8, where they met female industry leaders and learned about myriad opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Those attending were, pictured from left, Riley Parrish, Melanie Meek, Brooke Akers, Peyton Dowling, Aubrey Taylor, Paisley Tice and Brooklyn Glosser. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE – Female students at Southern Local Jr. High School learned all about their potential while attending the annual STEM Goes Red event at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).

SLJHS science teacher Amanda Wrobleski and more than a half-dozen pupils went on the excursion Dec. 8, where they listened to experts and took part in hands-on activities. STEM Goes Red was organized by the American Heart Association and encourages young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). About 225 girls from nearly 30 schools took part in interactive sessions and activities, meeting females in a variety of professional fields and gaining inspiration for their own future.

“I had the pleasure to be joined by seven seventh- and eighth-grade girls who have both the interest and the ability in STEM careers,” Wrobleski said. “We traveled to NEOMED in Rootstown and the event was put on by the American Heart Association. The goal was to expose girls to career opportunities in the STEM field.”

While there, students rotated through different areas and learned about careers such as petroleum engineers, visited about a dozen booths at a vendors’ expo, had lunch, viewed a panel of STEM leaders who discussed their careers and answered questions, and saw a heart lab with physicians who instructed at NEOMED.

Wrobleski added that having more females in STEM careers leads to higher earning potential, plus it fills the gender gaps and creates better teams in the workplace. According to statistics, women make up about 29 percent of the STEM workforce, yet only a small percentage of women pursue those fields. Girls who attend STEM Goes Red have an opportunity to engage with female industry leaders and learn about myriad STEM careers. The initiative is part of the broader Go Red for Women movement, which also looks to improve women’s health and address cardiovascular disease.

“We left there full of knowledge and full of excitement for the future,” she commented. “This was our second year attending the event and we look forward to going back next year.”

Seventh-grader Peyton Dowling was enthusiastic about attending the event.

“My favorite subject was the heart lab because I got to hold a human heart,” Dowling added. “It was an awesome experience and I hope to go back.”