Our 8th-grade girls from Mathews Junior High School recently took a trip that could help shape their futures, participating in the "STEM Goes Red at NEOMED" event. Hosted at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) campus in Rootstown and organized by the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative, the day was packed with hands-on STEM experiences designed specifically to inspire young women in Northeast Ohio.
The event is dedicated to showing middle school girls that they belong in future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
A Day of Discovery and Hands-On Learning
The Mathews students dove straight into a variety of activities that offered a unique glimpse into the medical and scientific worlds. Highlights of the day included:
Examining and interacting with a cadaver heart, providing a visceral understanding of human anatomy.
Learning the basics of physical assessment by practicing the use of a stethoscope.
Gaining critical knowledge by practicing CPR skills.
Showing the breadth of STEM, the group also participated in an exciting activity: launching air rockets.
The day featured extensive demonstrations and exhibits from various local science, technology, engineering, and health organizations, showcasing diverse career paths.
Mentorship Over Lunch
The field trip culminated in a mentoring session over lunch. This valuable time allowed the Mathews students to sit with multiple successful female STEM professionals from various fields. The girls were encouraged to ask questions not only about education and job duties but also about the reality of professional life in STEM.
This personal interaction provided invaluable insight, helping the students see tangible examples of women succeeding in fields ranging from medicine to engineering.
The Mathews participants left the NEOMED campus not just with souvenir bags, but with renewed enthusiasm and inspiration to pursue their interests in science and technology.