This post originally appeared on my Google Plus page in January 2013, and was re-blogged by The International Reporting Project

Educator and speaker, Angela Maiers shares two words she believes are essential to young women considering a career in STEM: “You matter.”

The essence behind what Angela has to say is backed by some research. In June 2008, a report was released by the National Academy of Engineering, called “Changing the Conversation: Messages for Improving Public Understanding of Engineering,” on the best way to convince young people to go into engineering. The message? Tell them that they will make a difference. The four most effective statements they tested were:

–Engineers make a world of difference.
–Engineers are creative problem-solvers.
–Engineers help shape the future.
–Engineering is essential to our health, happiness, and safety.

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