Group to Host STEM Conference for Arlington Girls

A conference this weekend is hoping to inspire Arlington’s middle school girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or STEM.

“Getting a good start in those content areas early is super important for girls today,” said Mary Ann Ullrich, spokeswoman for the conference.

About 200 girls (with an accompanying parent) are registered for the event sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Arlington branch and Arlington Public Schools.

The girls can choose from 20 workshops hands-on workshops with a variety of professionals including environmental engineers, patent attorneys and biomedical engineers.

“We’ve tried to cover all those areas relating to science or math or engineering,” Ullrich said.

The event’s keynote speaker is Sandra Cauffman, deputy project manager at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, who will share her life experiences and favorite moments.

The STEM conference takes place at Kenmore Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Kenmore Middle School at 200 South Carlin Springs Rd. in Arlington. Registration for the event is now closed, but those who are interested can find out more about upcoming events with the Arlington branch of the American Association of University Women on their website.