Jan 24, 2017 07:31 AM EST By Eleanor Bright, UniversityHerald Reporter

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) spearheads efforts to attract more girls to enroll in the STEM program this year. The AAUW sponsored the 17^th Annual STEM Conference held for girls in Banning and Beaumont. Another activity will be held at the University of Southern Carolina and Beaufort County USCB) in February 11.

The aim of the 17th Annual STEM Conference was to make girls see that STEM courses are not just for boys. Girls can also succeed in courses related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Grade 8 students attended the activity. The speakers told the girls to believe in themselves and take STEM courses, according to the Record Gazette.

The small number of female students taking STEM courses was alarming. Some enrolled and left. Others graduated from their courses but worked in other fields. These girls believed that STEM courses are for men.

The fact that male teachers taught science, technology, engineering and math subjects made girls think these courses are just for men. The anxiety of female students increased because there were only a handful of them in class.

AAUW wants to encourage girls to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The association will sponsor a whole day hands-on activities in February 11, this year at USCB. Middle school girls from Beaufort will attend. The girls will participate in the hand-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math.

 AAUW invites parents to come with their daughters. The organization believes that parents can help their daughters decide to enroll in STEM, according to The Island Packet.

AAUW is a non-profit organization composed of women. They believe that women and men should have equal education. The association believes that the conference and hands-on activities will encourage girls to take STEM courses. Through this, gender balance in the fields will be achieved.

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