Nicole Gutzke (l) and Dr. Kristina Rigden at the Femineer program table during California STEAM Symposium, 2018.

 

Ask a young girl about her future career aspirations.  She probably won't say, "I want to be an engineer".

Cal Poly Pomona's Femineer program is changing that.

Creative robotics, wearable technology and Raspberry Pi construction are all part of this innovative three-year curriculum.   And in the course of "making cool stuff", K through 12 girls learn math, science, technology and engineering.   The Femineer curriculum spans three years.  Usually, participating schools offer the courses as an elective or after-school program.

Nicole Gutzke is Outreach Programs Liaison and Women in Engineering Program Coordinator at Cal Poly Pomona.  Dr. Kristina Rigden is Director of Outreach Programs and Women in Engineering.

Nicole and Kristina shared the story of the Femineer program, offered a look at the way the curriculum works and talked about the ways this unique curriculum is helping girls and young women reach their potential.

On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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The story of the Femineer program;

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How the curriculum works;

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What first led Nicole and Kristina to have an interest in the engineering field;

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How schools can get involved in the program;

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Why teachers in fields other than science or math are implementing the curriculum;

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An update on youth organizations'  efforts to make the Femineer program part of their activities;

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Some of the results Nicole and Kristina have seen in the academic paths of their students;

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What students can expect to learn, in the robotics and wearables classes;

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How interested education professionals can find out more.