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Shoreline middle school girls learn science and technology at UW

SHORELINE, Wash. — This week, a group of young women from Shoreline are being exposed to a new world of science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM.  It's part of a push by GE to bring more women into those professional fields. The 44 middle-schoolers are spending the week at the University of Washington learning everything from making flashlights to eco-friendly lip balm.
 
Students from Einstein and Kellogg middle schools, in Shoreline, were chosen after writing an essay, and their stories are impressive. 

"We made an app," said Ella Kennedy, who is going into eighth grade. "And it helped people know where to throw away their trash so it helped the environment."
 
The jobs are there. A recent Tech Alliance study found Washington ranks No. 1 in percentage of STEM jobs avaliable.
 
On top of designing and building flashlights, the girls had to build minisatellite boxes that could withstand the weight of 14 textbooks without collapsing. They will also learn how to code.
 
The week at UW is aimed to expand the students' varied interests in STEM subjects.  
 
"When I grow up I want to be a neurosurgeon," said Greta Lara-Kerr, who is going into 8th grade.
 
"I'm actually thinking about going into a science field like marine biology at The UW," said Sarah Mazengia, also a rising eighth grader.
 
It's no coincidence this group of students is all young women.  GE wants to expand the role of women in the fields dominated by men.  
 
"It'd be cool to have more females in the field of science," said Lara-Kerr.
 
A recent White House study found women in STEM jobs earn 33 percent more than those in non-STEM jobs.

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