The Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation (MPS Foundation) will host a weeklong Girls STEM Academy from Monday, July 29 – Friday, Aug. 2. Designed to provide 28 Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) middle school girls a hands-on learning experience about the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math – the Academy will focus on the exploration and real-world application of key STEM concepts. 

Students of the Girls STEM Academy will participate in sessions led by MSOE professors and staff aimed at developing STEM skills through interactive lessons in coding and computer science, architecture and construction management, and biomedical engineering and medicine. The girls will also partake in sessions with professionals from the Milwaukee Bucks, GE Healthcare, Eppstein Uhen Architects and Rockwell Automation to learn about real-world applications of these STEM skills and career opportunities in STEM fields.  

“We are committed to providing youth across Wisconsin access to programs that challenge and inspire them,” said Milwaukee Bucks Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Arvind Gopalratnam. “The Girls STEM Academy, which the Milwaukee Bucks are hosting with MSOE and the MPS Foundation, reflects this focus and allows Academy students an opportunity to grow and connect with professionals from each of our respective industries.”    

“In 1966, females made up 0.4% of the graduating engineers in the United States. By 2002, that number reached 22%, but it has basically been flat at around 20% since then. We must work to raise that number and close the gender gap,” said Dr. John Walz, MSOE president. “Programs like the Girls STEM Academy are an opportunity to introduce young women to STEM fields and inspire them to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”  

“The MPS Foundation is proud to partner with the Milwaukee Bucks and MSOE for equitable opportunities in accessing summer enrichment for our students,” said MPS Foundation Executive Director Wendell Willis. “The Girls STEM Academy and our collaborative efforts signal a commitment towards student achievement through fun, engaging and experiential programs which pave the way for college and career readiness.”  

Throughout the week, Academy students will collaborate in small groups to identify and solve a challenge facing today’s society. Each group will have the chance to present their innovative solution to a panel of local entrepreneurs and innovators. To culminate a week’s worth of learning, the girls will have the chance to be recognized for their efforts and hard work at a special awards dinner.  A total of 28 girls from four MPS schools were invited to take part in the Girls STEM Academy. Members of the Milwaukee Bucks organization and MSOE worked with MPS to identify and select four MPS schools to participate.

For more information about pre-college STEM programs at MSOE, visit https://www.msoe.edu/academics/stem-community-programs/.