George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center hosted the Girls in STEAM Empowerment Conference on Thursday, February 29. This annual event welcomed 60 middle school students for a day of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). The event promotes STEAM careers for young women through engaging discussions and hands-on activities.
![A staff member of Schneider Electric, one of the event sponsors, wears pink sunglasses that say "Girls Rule"](/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-03/431024814.jpg?itok=jaUS4OY5)
Students learned about energy science and engineered energy efficient structures. All the student attendees came from five Title I schools in Prince William County.
The National Energy Education Development Project (The NEED Project) led two energy workshops. Participants built and tested the efficiency of a mocked-up “thermally insulated house” and generated and measured electricity conducted through various objects.
![Middle school students engage in hands-on STEAM activities at the waterfront Potomac Science Center](/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-03/girls_in_steam.jpg?itok=ESb66KyR)
A panel of women in STEAM shared stories about how they came into their careers and responded to student questions. The panel included Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy and director K-12 partnerships for the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC).
![Event organizers in front of the decorative sign that says GIRLS IN STEAM](/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-03/431004046.jpg?itok=6a3izCI2)
The Girls in STEAM Empowerment Conference is cosponsored by Mason, Schneider Electric, Prince William County Public Schools, The NEED Project, Dominion Energy, Iron Mountain Data Centers, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, and ACI Solutions.
![Room set up for the Girls in STEAM conference overlooking the waterfront](/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-03/430103955.jpg?itok=e_4zzizS)
![" "](/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz)
Read more about the Potomac Science Center
- March 8, 2024
- November 21, 2023
- October 18, 2023
- June 29, 2023
- May 16, 2023