STEM Partnership Will Promote Forgotten Women Innovators and Inspire Girls
Alexandria, VA — “We can do it” has been the mantra of the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter for more than 80-years. For young girls in the 21st century, Rosie becomes a symbol of hope and determination with the announcement of a new partnership aimed at developing their skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The collaboration comes at a time when an estimated 2.4 million STEM jobs remain unfilled — yet women make up only 28 percent of the science and engineering workforce. Of that, minority women represent only 5%.
The National Center of Women’s Innovations Partners with Rosie Riveters and the Washington School for Girls
The Alexandria, VA-based National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) The National Center of Women’s Innovations – Home (womensinnovations.org) will partner with Arlington, Virginia-based Rosie Riveters Rosie Riveters to create a special series of STEM-focused materials designed to embody the “We Can Do It” attitude. The resources will highlight the groundbreaking work of Dr. Gladys West, a 93-year-old Virginia pioneer in GPS technology. The DC based Washington School for Girls, serving girls from Wards 7 and 8 in in grades 3-8, https://washingtonschoolforgirls.org will be the first school to launch the programs.
The new project, which includes interactive STEM Kits “Empowering Innovation: Gladys West GPS Challenge,” aims to align GPS-themed STEM activities with the inspiring story of Dr. West, GPS enabler, who was NCWI’s 2023 featured woman innovator. The Kits will provide hands-on experience for girls to understand how GPS works, its applications in everyday life, and its crucial role in computer science and navigation.
Jane Plitt, NCWI board chair believes, “This partnership brings together three powerful educational forces. NCWI is determined to change the STEM employment possibilities girls can achieve because they are encouraged by their foremothers’ achievements and by their hands-on experiences.” Plitt’s sentiments are echoed by the partners Brittany Greer, Executive Director of Rosie Riveters and Dr. Beth Reaves, President, Washington School for Girls state
“We are delighted to partner to further bring the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) resources on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Gladys West to life in our Rosie Labs hands-on STEM projects at the Washington School for Girls. This collaboration is a vibrant example of how community alliances can open doors to accessible, hands-on STEM experiences, inspiring the next generation of women innovators and leaders.” – Brittany Greer
“Washington School for Girls is excited to have this opportunity for our students to explore STEM innovations while also learning about an important woman in history. We know that young girls need to see women’s accomplishments inorder to dream of their own for the future and this partnership provides that exposure.” – Dr. Beth Reaves
Fundamental societal mainstays such as WIFI, GPS, rocket fuel, electric heaters, car signals, mechanical dishwashers, and DUCT tape are examples of thousands of innovations that women created.
Rosie Riveters has engaged and inspired more than 15,000 girls in STEM since its inception in 2016. Washington School for Girls has propelled girls forward for 26 years.
About the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI)
The National Center of Women’s Innovations is designed to mainstream the forgotten women innovators of yesterday and today. The NCWI vision is intended to inspire all — particularly young girls — to pursue innovative fields. womensinnovations.org
Board of Directors
Jane Plitt, Chair
BK Fulton Vice Chair
Lucelle O’Flaherty, Secretary
Faduma Hussein, Treasurer
Brenda Baldwin-White, Esq.
Dr. Alissa Harrison
Theresa H. Peterson