On today's show we discuss encouraging girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that technology professionals will experience the highest growth in job numbers between now and 2030. But only a fraction of girls and women are likely to pursue degrees that enable them to fulfill these news jobs.

When girls become aware of the old stereotype that “girls are just not as good as boys in math”, they begin to believe it and this can actually affect their grades in the subject. They talk themselves into believing that they’ll never achieve well in science and math.

But according to the American Association of University Women, high school girls and boys perform equally well in math and science. Their studies show that high school girls earn more math and science credits than do boys and their GPAs tend to be higher.

This brings us to today's highlighted charity, Girlstart...

Girlstart's mission is to increase girls' interest and engagement in STEM through innovative, nationally recognized informal STEM education programs. @Girlstart

Girlstart Summer Camps are week-long STEM programs for girls entering the 4th-8th grades in 2019-2020. Recently recognized by Change the Equation as one of four exemplary STEM education programs in America, Girlstart’s Summer Camp programs have consistently received national recognition.

Girlstart After School reaches more than 2,700 4th-5th grade girls with free STEM education programs every week throughout the school year at 87 high-need schools. This is a free, weekly program in the fall and spring semesters that seeks to enhance and supplement girls’ science learning in the classroom through engaging activities that introduce important STEM concepts in a hands-on and informal environment.

While in Austin, Bev had the opportunity to talk with Tamara Hudgins, Executive Director and Riley Samaniego, Executive Assistant.

Kayla Abramowitz is the Founder and CKO (Chief Kid Officer) of Kayla Cares 4 Kids, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. @KaylaCares4Kids

She began the organization, at age 11, by collecting entertainment and educational items to donate to children’s hospitals in an effort to help children feel better. The now 17-year-old came up with the idea after extended hospital stays of her own, in addition to her 12-year-old brother Ethan’s numerous hospital trips, due to chronic illness.

They have already delivered more than 22,000 DVDs, video game consoles, video games, DVD players, handheld electronics, books and arts & crafts supplies to nearly 450 children’s hospitals and related facilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico and have donated items to every Ronald McDonald House in the country.

In today’s Kid Hero segment, Bruce Gale talks with our earlier Kid Hero, Kayla, about her efforts to make children feel better.