Orangeburg Co. School to host “Women in STEM” event for 8th graders

The Cope Area Career Center (CACC) will host a “Women in STEM” event on Tuesday, for 8th grade girls. (Flyer: Orangeburg County School District)

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The Cope Area Career Center (CACC) will host a “Women in STEM” event on Tuesday, for 8th grade girls.

The February 11 event will be held at 9 a.m. to inspire and empower young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

District officials say eighth-grade girls from Carver-Edisto Middle School, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Middle School, Branchville Middle School, and North Middle/High School will participate in the opportunity to learn from accomplished women in STEM fields.

The event will feature speakers from various STEM disciplines, including two engineers who will share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes in the field.

“Exposure is key to shaping the future workforce. By introducing young women to professionals in STEM, we hope to inspire them to pursue careers that will not only benefit them but also advance our communities and industries,” says Dr. Johnny Murdaugh, Director of Cope Area Career Center.

According to the press release, women currently make up nearly 50% of the U.S. workforce, yet they hold less than 30% of STEM-related jobs, with even lower representation in engineering and computer science.