3rd annual STEAM Day teaches females from local high schools about career paths

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – STEM/STEAM has been a male-dominated field throughout history, but females from local high schools are showing interest in the career path.

"I think we bring something that not everyone does," Emma Miller, a senior at Millersburg Area High School, said.

The 3rd annual STEAM Day was held at the PA Farm Show Complex on Tuesday. It focused on transportation and was led by the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) of Central PA.

"Our goal today is to inspire and empower these young women into STEM or STEAM careers," Fawn Cassel, the director of WTS of Central PA, said. "Our focus basically is on the transportation industry. Try and get them encouraged and let them know what opportunities are available to them."

The day allotted opportunities for students like Millers.

"You get to talk to adults who have been in the business for how long and it's just a good opportunity to get yourself out there, talk about different opportunities that you might not know about," Miller said. "It's really helpful."

From keynote speakers to virtual reality to building retaining walls out of recycled materials, STEAM Day gave girls chances to network and see if this is the right pathway for their futures.

"We bring a different perspective and get that collaboration with our male counterparts as far as innovations and solving problems," Cassel said. "We bring a different perspective to the table."

Two scholarships worth $1,500 each were handed out to reward girls for their work in STEAM at the high school level.

The two scholarship recipients were Anshi Paul, a senior at Hershey High School, and Erica Nhor, a senior at William Penn Senior High School.

"It feels good. It's nice to be recognized for aspirations for wanting to do something in STEAM," Paul said.

"I'm glad that this opportunity was led to women in STEAM," Nhor said. "I know it's still a growing program so this feels like a dream almost."

Over 120 students from 16-18 school districts attended the event.