There’s a lot of buzz around the tech industry, and STEM careers—or science, technology, engineering and math—are central to that conversation. With the increased digitization of our world and advancements in computing, STEM jobs have grown exponentially in the last two decades, and currently women constitute 28 percent of the STEM workforce.
Project Scientist, an organization founded by Orange County, Calif. resident Sandy Marshall, seeks to inspire young girls to learn and grow from other female STEM role models. Early education has proven to be an effective method for girls to get curious and excited about STEM fields—and increase the percentage of women in STEM.
A traditionally in-person program, in 2020 Project Scientist moved their summer programming from on-site to virtual in response to the pandemic. CoreLogic sponsored the first week of summer programming, reaching more than 100 girls across the country and teaching them about CoreLogic, data, science and engineering.
Participants selected properties in varied geographies with differentiating features and coded a software program that simulated a property build, bought insurance, and even prepared for the onset of an unexpected disaster. The girls also met with several of CoreLogic’s STEM women and learned about their experiences. Several members of the CoreLogic Southern California Women’s Business Council (WBC) participated in this program as well.
“At CoreLogic, I am a leader in the science & analytics division, and one of our strengths as a team is the diversity of our experiences and education. Investing in future STEM professionals, particularly those that can easily be left behind based on cultural bias and stereotypes, is an imperative to develop best in class solutions. It was really rewarding to see these girls demonstrate curiosity and passion to learn,” said Tricia Murray, President of the Southern California WBC.
Project Scientist also launched STEM Club in the fall, a weekly experience with certified teachers. Nearly 70% of the students came from low income households and received scholarships to be able to attend.
Brenda Vass, Chief Development Officer for Project Scientist, and Sandy Marshall were guests at a CoreLogic Southern California WBC session to share this experience. As a result, CoreLogic’s Southern California WBC teamed up once again with Project Scientist and raised $7,000 to support seven scholarships for the STEM Club program.
“Our hope is that these girls grow up knowing anything is possible,” said Jackie Wright, President of the Dallas WBC. “And who knows? Maybe one day they’ll work here.”
CoreLogic is proud to have such passionate employees that support building thriving communities. For more information about Project Scientist, visit their website at projectscientist.org.