GREENVILLE, Dec. 17, 2024 — The American Heart Association, Upstate S.C., devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, recently hosted 42 local middle school girls for its inaugural STEM Goes Red event. This full-day experience was developed to inspire and empower middle school girls to pursue a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) career. Also, they were armed with the tools and resources needed to pursue their dreams and live healthy lives themselves. Students experienced the world of STEM, hearing from chemists, engineers, medical professionals and others to engage their minds through STEM-related activities.

Economic projections indicate that there could be as many as 2.4 million unfilled STEM jobs.[1] The STEM employment gap is further compounded by persistent diversity challenges, as women and historically under-resourced students comprise 70 percent of college students, but of 100 women working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation.[2]

“The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement recognizes that women, particularly women of color, are grossly underrepresented in STEM fields across the board,” says Kelly Wilkins, executive director for the American Heart Association, Upstate S.C. “By connecting today’s young women with leaders in these fields, we hope to inspire them to explore rewarding STEM opportunities in the future.”

In addition to several hands-on demonstrations with student leaders from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, the American Heart Association and Michelin North America’s Women’s Network, STEM Goes Red attendees experienced a STEM Fair featuring additional experiences and resources from local, STEM-related organizations: Duke Energy, Milliken, SC Works, Career Catalyst Edge, Clemson Nursing, Interim Healthcare, Challenge Island, Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, Latino Medical Student Association and EarthSoft.

As a science-based organization, the American Heart Association recognizes the need to have more women engaged in life-saving breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“By learning about sciences and medicine, we hope this can be the spark the girls need to pursue a career in STEM,” says Dr. Krista Blackwell, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, who kicked off the event with an interactive heart rate exercise.

”With the help of our incredible students and our amazing partnership with American Heart Association, we hope this becomes a successful annual event,” added Dr. Jennifer Springhart, emergency medicine physician and director of community outreach at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.

STEM Goes Red can change the impact of heart disease by inspiring young women and successful female leaders to create a platform for positive change through innovation, technology, and health and wellness. The STEM community in the Upstate has an opportunity to help elevate tomorrow’s female leaders to drive groundbreaking innovation.

STEM Goes Red was made possible by support from the Ray and Charyl Schroeder Grace Foundation. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health.

For more information about Go Red for Women or to get involved, contact Adelyn Nottingham at Adelyn.Nottingham@heart.org.  

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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.orgFacebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

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 nearly 80 percent 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 18 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). 

 

For Media Inquiries:

Hunter Burton: hunter.burton@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

 

 

[1] Smithsonian Science Education Center. The STEM Imperative. Smithsonian Institution, 2018, ssec.si.edu/stem-imperative

[2] Anthony Carnevale, Nicole Smith, and Michelle Melton. STEM. Georgetown University: Center on Education and the Workforce, cew.georgetown.edu/stem/