Kids Career Day draws 250 at Saturday’s sold out event

On Saturday, March 2, the Student Union Ballroom was full of youngsters and their parents, eager to participate in an interactive morning of STEM activities at the 20^th annual Kids Career Day.

Over 250 girls and boys in 1^st-6^th grade spent their morning participating in hands-on workshops including shooting a paper rocket in the air using alka selzer and water to better understand chemical reactions. They also made roller coasters using insulation tubes and marbles to learn about kinetic energy. The students even designed their own multi-functioning tool!   

According to Heidi Cressman, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion in The University of Akron's College of Engineering, the goal was to increase interest among girls in STEM fields with a focus on engineering. 

"Research indicates that girls in the 9 to 13-year-old age range are at an age where they start to lose interest in STEM,” Cressman said. "Events the Women in Engineering program puts on, such as Kids Career Day, provide an opportunity to keep young girls engaged and interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

University of Akron engineering students in the Women in Engineering and Women in Math programs volunteered alongside professional women and men working in industry and academia.  Guest workshop speaker Michael Cohill, founder of The Akron Toy and Marble Company, discussed the physics of marbles. Sharon Graper, Director of Academics at Holden Forests and Gardens, helped parents understand how to help children stay interested in STEM using nature and outdoor activities.

According to Cressman, women make up 47% of the US population but only fill 16% of all engineering jobs. “This has to change. With 75 million baby boomers approaching retirement, there will be a huge need to fill workforce gaps. I want to make sure women have a seat at the table.”  

The Women in Engineering program coordinates over 30 events per year and connects with thousands of girls in the area to spark their interest in engineering and get them to consider UA when they are ready.