Ann Jackson, Extended Learning Program teacher at the middle school, will be trained this fall in order to bring the program to the school. Jackson said this is an important program for Marshalltown because it will support female students’ interest in STEM.

“Our community and school district are very supportive of STEM programs and extracurricular offerings. Unfortunately, even with this community support the Extended Learning Program teachers at the middle and high school levels have noticed that girls are not self-selecting science options. Our hope is that the Femineer Program would help us to address this gap in enthusiasm and skills that if left unaddressed limits opportunities for our female students,” she said.

The Femineer Program began in 2013 through Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Engineering in 2013 in an effort to encourage young women to pursue classes and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

The University of Iowa became a Femineer Affiliate in 2016 and is the first university affiliate outside of California.

Ann Jackson, Extended Learning Program teacher at Miller Middle School, applied for the Femineer Adopt-a-School program in early spring.

The program will bring Creative Robotics to the middle school. It is a 30-hour module for students to learn basic electronics in a hands-on way by designing robots from everyday materials. Students will learn safety procedures, how to use tools and how to work in teams to achieve goals.

In the first year of the program, students are taught to use hand tools, including a screwdriver, a utility knife, a tape measure and more. Over the course of the program, students learn about basic electronics, wiring, sensors and motors, as well as some programming.

Jackson said Miller Middle School was chosen to be a part of this program after she applied in early spring.

Marshalltown High School Principal Jacque Wyannt first heard of the program and encouraged the Extended Learning Program teachers to get involved.

As technology continues to progress, more people are needed in STEM careers. Despite this need, women are much less likely to pursue education and work in this field. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), women make up about 21 percent of engineering majors and 19 percent of computer and information science majors.

In recent years, many educators have focused on how to keep girls involved in math and science.

Jackson says the Femineer program and other related efforts can help.

“Although female and male students perform equally well on standardized math and science tests, the middle school years prove to be a pivotal time when girls lose confidence and interest in STEM activities. It is our goal with the Femineer program to expose our female students to STEM areas and help them discover that they are as capable of success in STEM areas as their male counterparts,” she said.

Jackson noted that this program helps to fulfill MCSD’s mission and vision. The district’s mission is to “develop learners who have the knowledge, skills, and positive mindset to successfully pursue a meaningful future through personalized learning experiences.”

The district’s vision is “Preparing ALL learners, through an unparalleled culture of excellence, to be productive and engaged citizens in a diverse world.”

Jackson said the Femineer program is in line with the district’s goals.

“The Femineer program will advance our mission and vision in multiple ways. Simply by having access to the Femineer curriculum, our students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills. Through Femineer’s hands-on activities and real-world applications, Marshalltown’s students will gain technical knowledge and practical skills that will lead them to their future educational and career successes and through the Femineer mentors, our students will see adults modeling the characteristics our school system endeavors to develop each day,” she said.

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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com.