My Story
In my computer science class, girls make up twenty-five percent of the class, which my teacher called a “good year.” At Science Olympiad competitions, I feel odd when girls are such a minority of the participants. There is no reason why more boys should pursue engineering than girls. Girls have so much to bring to the field and it is a tragedy that I do not see more girls going after this great career path. I can’t help but think a lot of girls are pushed away from engineering because they have never seen it modeled to them by someone who reminds them of themselves. I need to change that.
I am thankful to have grown up with a dad who is a mechanical engineer and encouraged me to pursue engineering. I have so many resources at my fingertips, like software my dad has taught me to use and 3D printers. I can’t keep it to myself when I have more than I need to share this passion with other girls.
My Project
I will design, assemble, and donate engineering kits to local community shelters and foster care programs. Using Fusion 360, I design engineering-oriented toys and print them on a 3D-printer. Any other parts will be affordable, such as a rubber band.
Once the designs have been tested, I will print the projects in bulk, using my family's 3D printer. I am interested in also building a community with other like-minded future engineers like me who I can invite to help print projects, too. Projects will be packaged in fun and engaging boxes that include all the needed materials.
Each box will also contain an inspirational note along with stories about women who have excelled in STEM. The note will be written in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. I would like to see this project grow with high school girls throughout the country and see school printers buzzing to mentor girls in engineering!