Conference Session

Informal Education and Outreach Programs for Women Engineering Students

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bahareh Goodarzi, Concordia University; Navid Sharifi, Concordia University; Sara Jameel, Concordia University; Anjali Agarwal, Concordia University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Women in Engineering Division (WIED)

noticed underrepresentation of female students in technology-based fields. To break down thebarriers, GirlSET was designed as a female-centered summer camp, created by women for women. The initiative aimsto introduce and inspire young girls aged 14-17 to engineering and computer science, with the goal of fostering apositive mindset towards STEM careers. Originally conducted in person, GirlSET adapted to an online format duringthe COVID-19 pandemic and returned to an in-person experience in 2024. The camp has successfully run for eightyears, engaging young girls through targeted activities and mentorship. In this paper, we report on the insights gainedfrom implementing GirlSET and the impact it has had on participants’ perceptions of STEM fields