Encouraging the next generation of female scientists

The Solvay Bristol, Pennsylvania site recently participated in the #girlSTEM Conference for the seventh year. This educational event ensures that all girls are exposed to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) regardless of their income or background. This year over 800 middle and high school girls had the chance to explore STEM careers and interact with female scientists from Solvay.

“We love that we had the opportunity to empower young women and encourage them to pursue a career in the science field,” said Harleigh Makowski and Tamara Mamistvalova, two of the Solvay volunteers.

Each Solvay representative took time to share their journey to the science field with the girls in attendance. Their session also included a do-it-yourself bath bomb demonstration, complete with instructions and recipe, plus homemade bath bombs for each attendee to take home.

Solvay volunteers also got the girls involved in a color changing milk experiment. They each learned about the interactions that take place when milk, food coloring and a drop of liquid soap are mixed. “The girls seemed to really enjoy this experiment,” said Harleigh. “We even saw them posting their pictures onto social media.”

Exposing young girls to women with careers in STEM can have a big impact on their futures. According to research by Microsoft, the number of girls interested in STEM nearly doubles when they have a role model to inspire them. The #girlSTEM Conference results from last year’s event support this research too.

Among the girls who attended #girlSTEM 2017:

- 94% decided to take more STEM courses in high school
- 78% decided to declare a STEM major in college
- 80% decided to pursue a STEM-related career

Hosted on the campus of Delaware Valley University, the event is funded entirely by supporters of the Bucks County Women’s Initiative and sponsors and run by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.