One of the most exciting aspects of living (and growing up) in Chicago is having access to our beautiful lakefront. In the summer, it’s not uncommon to see dozens of sailboats scattered across Lake Michigan. What may be less obvious is the exciting intersection between the worlds of sailing and science.
This summer, After School Matters’ Sail Her Dreams program did more than teach teens how to navigate a boat; it reshaped futures. Teens came together to discuss topics like marine science and engineering, combined with sailing, to offer an interactive approach to learning.
Each week, the Sail Her Dreams program changed the narrative for an ambitious group of Chicago teens. The program introduces high school girls to the many career possibilities in the STEM field by bringing in a different female professional each week to mentor them on a variety of topics. One week featured a marine biologist giving a lesson on the wildlife and ecology of the lake. The next week, teens explored ultrasound technology and its significance in both the medical field and for mapping the ocean floor.
“There is a huge lack of women in the sport of sailing. And we know firsthand in schools that there is a lack of interest and a lack of girls in STEM,” explains ASM instructor Erica Trejo. “This is exactly geared towards those girls, giving them opportunities and experiences.”
The numbers speak for themselves: Women remain underrepresented in STEM-related fields. According to PEW Research, they account for only 25% percent of computer occupations, 15% of engineers and architects, and despite representing 75% of medical workers, only 38% are physicians and surgeons.
The Sail Her Dreams program is working to change that by showing young women what’s possible. One day this summer, Rory Rubin, co-founder and CEO of S.I. Container Builds, gave teens a tour of a sustainable housing project built out of shipping containers. The teens came prepared with thoughtful questions for Rory, ranging from the day-to-day operations at SI Container Builds to Rory’s personal journey as a woman in the STEM field.
“It really helps you get out there and experience all the different fields of STEM and know more about the career paths that are in it too.” – Priya, ASM teen, Age 15.
We are proud to support the Sail Her Dreams program and numerous other STEM-related programs as a part of ASM’s’ mission to preparing teens with hands-on experience across a variety of potential career paths. And of course, getting paid to explore science while sailing on Lake Michigan is a nice bonus!