FAIRMONT — Dozens of female eighth-graders from across West Virginia explored the field of engineering Tuesday at Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont.
“This is one of many events we’re holding around the state,” said Melissa Thompson, organizer of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and professor at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, in Charleston. “We invite eighth-grade girls to come for a day of interaction and engagement with female professionals that are in STEM careers.”
STEM fields are science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Groups of students participated in hands-on activities such as a team roller coaster design challenge. There was also a panel discussion, where women talked about their jobs, among other offerings at the event.
“We bring [students] on college campuses to engage them with different opportunities and what they might be able to do in the future in West Virginia,” Thompson said.
