Johns Hopkins APL to Host “Girl Power” STEM Event on March 8

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will host Girl Power, a free introductory event for middle and high school girls about careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on Sunday, March 8, 2015, from 2 to 5 p.m. on APL’s Laurel, Maryland, campus.

The annual Girl Power event is a collaborative effort between APL, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County and the Maryland Space Business Roundtable. More than 700 girls attended last year’s program.

The 2015 lineup of Girl Power presenters includes Managing Executive Ann Darrin of APL’s Space Exploration Sector, who will talk to attendees about turning their STEM interests into a future career. Featured topics include “3D Printing: Transformative Power,” “Exploring Cybersecurity,” “The Invisible Power of Nano Tech,” and more. Over 40 other topics in science, technology, engineering and math will be presented; a complete list of presentations can be found at www.jhuapl.edu/stem.

There will also be workshops for parents who want to learn more about the college application process, and how to support their children in STEM subjects.

APL’s STEM outreach efforts date back to 1976. Today, its related educational initiatives reach more than 5,000 students and community residents yearly, through events like Girl Power, a computer programming class, the Maryland MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program, NASA education outreach programs, the ASPIRE high school mentoring program and APL’s College Prep Program.

“Girl Power is a great way for young women to learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” says Dwight Carr, APL’s STEM program manager. “Helping our nation’s youth embrace technical careers will strengthen our national security and promote innovation.”

Girl Power will be held in APL’s Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland.

Directions to APL can be found at http://www.jhuapl.edu/aboutapl/visitor. In the event of bad weather or for additional information, call 443-778-STEM (7836). Admission is free, and registration is not required.