SAN DIEGO, November 29, 2023 —The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, held STEM Goes Red in San Diego on November 2nd to help address the significant gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Women fill close to half of all the jobs in the U.S. economy, but they hold only 28% of STEM jobs, according to the United States Census Bureau in 2021.
STEM Goes Red in San Diego, sponsored by QuidelOrtho, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Illumina and Watkins Wellness, helped prepare students for the millions of science, technology, engineering, and math jobs available worldwide. 100 students from Castle Park and Sweetwater High Schools attended the daylong event on the USS Midway Museum.
“Research shows as girls advance through school, they choose fewer science and math courses,” said Juli Moran, Chair of the San Diego American Heart Association Board of Directors. “Advancing the next great medical breakthrough can help to encourage young women to take a seat at the table, while improving our chances to solve problems and make game-changing discoveries to improve the health of all Americans.”
To help expose students to STEM careers, they learned about Hands-Only CPR from Heart Association representatives, built wind powered cars and heard about different STEM career options from industry representatives. During lunch, the students participated in speed mentoring sessions with industry leaders.
“We are proud to support the American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red mission to expose high school girls to the vast opportunities for educations and careers in STEM,” said Caroline Winn, CEO of SDG&E and Chair of the 2024 San Diego Go Red for Women campaign. “More opportunities mean more bright minds tackling the complex problems of today and tomorrow in public health and beyond.”
The American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red is an extension of its long-standing Go Red for Women® movement, which is the platform for women to come together against their No. 1 killer, raise awareness for heart disease and stroke, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 20 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erika Cervantes-Aarons, Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@heart.org, 319-573-6949
