12 Years & Counting in STEM Leadership: Siemens West Chicago Plant Keeps Introducing Girls to Engineering

The Siemens West Chicago Plant opened its doors to the public on Friday night, March 4, 2016, for yet another installment of the site’s long-running “introduce a Girl to Engineering” series. Maintenance Technology’s managing editor Jane Alexander joined 125 middle, junior high, and high school-age girls, their chaperones, and a small army of Siemens employees for the evening’s information- and activity-packed program. To learn more about this important Siemens outreach, click on the following play button and listen to Jane’s brief post-event discussion with editorial director Gary Parr.

Members of a Siemens-sponsored FIRST Robotics team and robot were on hand to help provide an up-close and personal look at engineering for attendees during the Siemens West Chicago Plant’s 12th “introduce a Girl to Engineering” event on Friday, March 4, 2016 .

FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) is an internationally acclaimed program of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)-related activities for children of all ages. Robotics, though, is just one area of focus with FIRST.

Founded in 1989 by the prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology Dean Kamen, this not-for-profit program aims to inspire and engage young people in various technical areas and pursuits. In addition to growing STEM skills and sparking innovative thinking through mentoring programs and competitions around the world, FIRST helps build participants’ self-confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities. For more information, visit: www.firstinspires.org.