AGSS @ San Diego Science Fair Family Fun Day

By Danica Chen, Del Norte High School

​The San Diego Science Fair Family Day held at Balboa Park had a new addition this year. On March 20, 2016, the All Girls Stem Society ran a booth dedicated to educating kids about STEM in fun ways and spreading its message.
The organization, which now spans multiple states, is a nonprofit run entirely by high school students passionate about their cause: getting more young girls interested in STEM jobs. They regularly host fun events that young girls can participate in. Many of the girls come to each and every one. Each event teaches girls STEM concepts in interesting ways and offers the opportunity to win entertaining prizes.

This event was no exception. Anyone who decided to stop by had the option of creating origami geometric shapes or creating and launching their own paper rockets. The booth was also selling stylish erasers to raise money for the organization. If anyone was lucky enough to pass by at noon, they also had the option of listening to a presentation about the importance of women in STEM by the organization's founder, Veronica Tang.
It is safe to say that the booth was a rousing success. Dozens of kids both young and old stopped by to craft rockets and fold shapes. Not only were they laughing and smiling the whole time, each one of them learned fundamental information about physics and geometry. Those who watched the presentation learned about the worrying lack of females in STEM jobs and the All Girls Math Society's goal to change that.

"Less than 30% of all STEM jobs are held by women," Tang notes. "The AGSS wants to help increase that percentage."

Those listening also had the opportunity to win prizes by answering trivia related to STEM fields, including aerospace and computer science, much to the delight of the eager children in the crowd. One of the audience members, Maya Dixon, even decided to join the organization as a volunteer. She explains the organization's goals piqued her interest.

"I thought it would be an interesting program and I think it's nice that girls are getting more interested in STEM," she said.

At this rate, it is clear the future of the AGSS  - and the future of women in STEM field -
Is looking bright.