By the year 2020, studies show there will be a million person talent gap in STEM fields across the country. That means not enough people are graduating with degrees from fields in science, technology, engineering or math.
That's where Million Women Mentors steps in. Its been around for a few years nationally, but March 8 was the official launch of the Maryland branch.
The organization is focused on finding a million mentors for girls across the country who are trying to get into STEM fields. They're catering to young girls specifically because the STEM fields are lacking in women.
"40 percent of women are breadwinners. STEM careers are financially able to allow those women to have lives with families, their children and be successful," said Jeanne Martin, Maryland MWM state leader. "It enables them to pay their bills, it enables them to succeed in many ways, and it gives them the financial security for their future."
The organization's debut fell appropriately on International Women's Day, and Martin said the whole point of the day is exactly what MWM wants to recognize.
"This is all about giving women opportunities," Martin said. "Opportunities to succeed in whatever way they choose. That's the purpose of the women's movement, that's the purpose of International Women's Day, and that is what Million Women Mentors is all about."
If you're interested in signing up to be a mentor or enrolling your daughter in the program, go here to check out opportunities in your area.
