STEPS

Why STEPS is Important

STEPS is a national initiative. Women make up approximately half of the population and about 46% of the labor force in all occupations, but only 10% of engineers! STEPS is a hands-on technology-based program that gives girls exposure to manufacturing and technical careers. The STEPS program is held early enough (7th grade) to influence a student's choice of the math, science, and technical courses they will take in middle and high school. These courses help prepare them to enter and succeed in college-level engineering programs.

Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer Camp for Girls (STEPS) was initiated at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and has been replicated in Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and South Dakota as residential or day camps for girls. STEPS camps are tuition-free, and participants enjoy a full range of recreational, developmental, and technical experiences. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Educational Foundation plans to extend the program to 11 states, reaching over 36,000 girls!

www.smeef.org/

Testimonials:

“Thanks so much for this terrific experience for our daughter!”

“All the activities and the back-up plans were great!  My daughter had an excellent experience.  I am glad she had this opportunity.  We hope to enroll her in the robotics camp next summer.”

“Absolutely outstanding.  Everything far exceeded our expectations.  Thank you so much!”

"My daughter had a wonderful experience. I'm amazed at the activities you had scheduled for them. I hope your program continues to receive the support it needs to provide this amazing experience to young girls. Field trips, great food & an airplane ride & model...can't beat that!"

"Best camp experience ever! We noticed an immediate positive influence/boost on her socialization & self-esteem. She has been willing to take more chances this summer."

"Each day seemed to bring a new level of wonder & excitement to Michalla. We as parents were very pleased & impressed."