Girls Inc.

Chapman University Partners with Girls Inc. to Empower Future Female Engineers

In a new partnership with Girls Inc. of Orange County, Chapman University’s Fowler School of Engineering is helping girls prepare for careers in engineering and other STEM fields. Girls Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. 

The collaboration brought girls who are just starting high school to the Chapman campus to participate in the school’s annual Summer Engineering Academy. During the sessions at Chapman, the girls were able to work on projects that included machine learning, coding, arduino programming, and design and fabrication. For many of these girls, this was their first exposure to these cutting-edge technologies, setting the stage for their future in STEM.

Anna Gianina Reynolds, Senior STEM Coordinator at Girls Inc., highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “We strive to partner with institutions like Chapman University to introduce our girls to STEM fields and provide them with practical, hands-on experience. Seeing them work on real-world projects and witnessing their growth in confidence and STEM identity throughout the week was truly inspiring.”

The opportunity to learn from Chapman’s engineering students – many of whom are women – added another layer of inspiration. Reynolds noted, “Women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, so having female role models in this space was invaluable for our girls. It allowed them to envision a future where they too can succeed in these fields.”

Thomas Piechota, Interim Dean of Fowler School of Engineering echoed these sentiments, stating, “Having Girls Inc. at the Summer Engineering Academy highlighted the Fowler School of Engineering’s commitment to “Engineering for All.” In speaking with some of the girls, I was impressed with their curiosity and wanting to learn more about fields of engineering and how they might continue to gain knowledge in those areas. One of the girls even followed up with me and thanked us for a great workshop and for providing time with her to learn more about data science.”

The Chapman University Fowler School of Engineering offers state-of-the-art facilities for all engineering students. The Makerspace is a dynamic, hands-on environment that inspires creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Thoughtfully designed and equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, the Makerspace provides students with the resources to bring their ideas to life. Whether working on class projects or tinkering with equipment and tools, students experience a supportive community that encourages exploration and learning through making. All engineering students are encouraged to test the limits of their imagination to build innovative projects. This space exemplifies Chapman’s commitment to experiential education and interdisciplinary opportunities.

The Summer Engineering Academy is open to all high school students in the community. For more information, visit www.chapman.edu/sea.

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About Chapman University

Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a nationally ranked private university in Orange, California, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Chapman serves nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can choose from 123 areas of study within 11 colleges for a personalized education. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 “high research activity” institution. Students at Chapman learn directly from distinguished world-class faculty including Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, published authors and Academy Award winners. The campus has produced a Rhodes Scholar, been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars and hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. Chapman also includes the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine. The university features the No. 4 film school and No. 66 business school in the U.S. Learn more about Chapman University: www.chapman.edu.

Media Contact:

Molly Thrasher. Director of Public Relations | thrasher@chapman.edu | Mobile: 657-561-4359
Carly Murphy, Public Relations Coordinator | carmurphy@chapman.edu | Desk: 714-289-3196 | Mobile: 714-497-9683

Luke Sica

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