In an era when women are increasingly prominent in medicine, law, and business, why are there so few women scientists and engineers? A 2010 research report by AAUW presents compelling evidence that can help to explain this puzzle. Eight key research findings point to environmental and social barriers — including stereotypes, gender bias, and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities — that continue to block women’s progress in STEM.
AAUW Fort Myers/Lee County members believe that the best way to break down environmental and social barriers is to get girls interested and involved in science and engineering early. To accomplish this we support the following programs for girls at the middle and high school levels.
AAUW STEM Award (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Established in 2001 to encourage middle and high school girls in STEM fields.
Goal: Award each year
A $500 prize is awarded to a top female entrant in the Thomas Alva Edison & Kiwanis Regional Science and Engineering Fair. A “First Time” award of $100 is also given to a female entrant for an outstanding first entry.
To apply: All Lee County female high school entrants in the Edison Regional Science Fair are eligible.
The Marie Glasgow and AAUW STEM Award Fund
Established in 2019 in honor of Marie Glasgow, president of AAUW Fort Myers/Lee Co Branch for three years.
Goal: Improve educational opportunities by rewarding young Middle School girl(s) winners at the Junior Division of Edison-Kiwanis Science Fair or Thomas Edison Festival of Light Regional Inventors Fair. Awarded each year.
To apply: All Lee County Middle School Girls entrants in the Edison Junior Science Fair or Festival of Light Regional Inventors Fair are eligible.
Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS)
Hands-on program dedicated to science education for regional middle school girls by enthusiastic professionals and undergraduates as facilitators and role models in a girls-only environment.
Goal: Support this program annually
Program is offered to Middle School Girls four times a year at the Whitaker Center for STEM Education at FGCU. The female faculty mentor FGCU female STEM majors who mentor middle school girls through four Saturday events over each year reaching 400 middle-school girls. $1000 has been awarded to this program since 2016.