From STEM to STEAM: Girls’ Schools Leading the Way

“I believe that for high school girls, even middle school girls, being connected to the real world early on is super motivating.” —Nanci Kauffman, Head of School | Castilleja The world is desperately seeking to plug the leaky STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) pipeline from its shortage of women. Girls’ schools are leading the way in educating generations of research scientists, engineers, programmers, and inventors. Why are girls’ schools so successful in graduating a disproportionate number of young women interested in pursuing STEM-related degrees? How do you incorporate how girls learn best into STEM curricula? What are some of the non-knowledge-based skills girls gain from STEM-related programs in schools? How will STEM education evolve in future? In this episode of PEP Talks: Podcast on Educational Possibilities, host Olivia Haas, Director of Strategic Communications & Media at NCGS, asks important questions about STEM and STEAM education. She dives deeper into what philosophy drives these programs, where creativity fits in, and how to prepare girls for a successful future in STEM-related careers. Olivia is joined by featured guests, Dr. Liz Hicks, Secretary of the NCGS Board of Trustees and the Founder and Principal of Girls Academic Leadership Academy, and Nanci Kauffman, Head of School at Castilleja. If you’re interested in innovations in STEM education and how to shape the narrative of STEM for current and future generations of young women, then this podcast is for you.