Jan 14, 2017 09:54 AM EST By Amanda Foster, UniversityHerald Reporter

"Hidden Figures" is a recent movie played by actresses Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer. These actresses portrays the three women responsible for doing the math that enabled an American astronaut to orbit in space.

The movie is timely because, according to AT&T, STEM fields are growing and there are still barriers to accessing the education needed to pursue a career in STEM.

Women and minorities, even today, are still experiencing challenges, as reported by Metro. AT&T has always been a supporter for bridging the gap in STEM education. The company is known for sponsoring STEM education programs, in the summer, in all five boroughs of New York.

And in timely celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Sunday, Jan. 15, a private screening that invites all New York City students will be held at the AMC Lowes Lincoln Square. Afterwards, a panel will be held that is set to discuss diversity in technology and STEM.

The movie "Hidden Figures" depicts the true stories surrounding African-American mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, as reported by Tech Crunch. They have experienced the segregation of women and minorities in the world of technology - even inside NASA. These women were a part of NASA's Space programs. It also featured "Big Bang Theory" actor Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon Cooper on the long time hit television show. He portrayed the men's side of STEM professions in technology. He plays the ideas and perception of men in a state that supports segregation.

"Hidden Figures" profiled important figures who are women and part of a minority community. Because of their STEM-related contributions, they were able to put an American in space. Critics point out that the film sends a strong message on society's common misconceptions. And these same critics also point out that the movie is a compelling film that inspires women and young girls everywhere.

Watch the 20th Century Fox's official trailer of "Hidden Figures" below:

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