STA students explore STEM occupations at B&V

September 8, 2022

Today, a group of STA STEAM students, accompanied by Mandi Sonnenberg, Ed.D., STA Director of STEAM Projects & Education, visited Black & Veatch for their Women in Construction & Engineering Day. This unique opportunity gave students a chance to learn firsthand about careers in the engineering field and network with other young women who have similar interests.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, women are vastly underrepresented in the STEM workforce, although their numbers are increasing. While women made up nearly half of the U.S. workforce in 2019, they accounted for only 27% of STEM workers (up from 8% in 1970). By contrast, men made up 52% of the workforce and 73% of all STEM workers.

STA’s robust STEM/STEAM program is on track with national growth figures. Since 2017, STA has seen a 300% increase in students receiving STEM/STEAM certificates, with many more participating in related courses. Currently, STA has more than 20 STEM/STEAM clubs and extracurricular groups designed around student interests.

STA thanks Black & Veatch for engaging and inspiring our Stars to continue the positive trajectory of women in STEM occupations.