At Downey Unified, young women see futures in engineering
DOWNEY -– With only 15 percent of all engineering jobs occupied by women, Downey Unified has provided an opportunity for female students to fill this need and be more successful post-graduation by continuing to expand a female-focused engineering program, Femineers, throughout the district.
In partnership with Cal Poly Pomona's Women in Engineering program, the Femineers program has been put into place at all four middle schools and two comprehensive high schools within Downey Unified to provide more of an opportunity for these young women to learn firsthand what a career in engineering would encompass.
On March 29, the second annual Femineers Gala was hosted by Warren High School where the work of Downey Unified’s middle and high school Femineers were showcased. This event brought over 500 people in attendance to see what these more than 200 young future female engineers have been diligently focused on this school year.
The gala was comprised of a runway show with wearable technology and moveable designs located in areas around the room. The wearable technology, modeled and sewn by the Femineers themselves, were created using conductive thread to light up different pieces of garments and accessories.
Movable designs were also created by the Femineers after only being given motors, sensors and a circuit board.
“We are very proud that Downey Unified is represented so thoroughly within the Femineers program,” stated Downey Unified’s Director of CTE and STEM, Phil Davis. “We are also proud of the high interest and excitement that is currently being cultivated in our female engineers. The partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Women in Engineering Program is beyond invaluable and truly leads us closer to pursuing our vision as a district to be college and career ready.”
Cal Poly Pomona’s Women’s in Engineering Program was established in 2012 to provide young women with the resources and supportive services to succeed in the fields of engineering. Annually, they host their “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day,” inviting 100 young ladies from the middle school level to experience this event. Downey Unified students represent 80 percent of those in attendance.
This all-day event is filled with hands-on activities exposing each student to the different areas in engineering including, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering, to name a few.