HerWorld® Program to Host 250 Girls from Addison Area High Schools

Despite the fact that careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are growing, women hold less than one quarter of STEM positions[i] today. DeVry University’s HerWorld program introduces young girls to women who have excelled in their fields and help them gain inspiration toward their future endeavors. Now in its 16th year, HerWorld educates high school girls about in-demand STEM careers and inspires them to achieve their college and career goals.

On Thursday, March 7, 250 area high school students will have the opportunity to interact with peers, participate in hands-on workshops, engage in confidence-building activities and hear the inspirational story of a local female leader in STEM at a HerWorld event in Hoffman Estates hosted by the DeVry University Addison Campus.

Participating high schools at the event in Hoffman Estates include Elgin High School, Larkin High School, James B. Conant High School, Schaumburg High School, Hoffman Estates High School, Oak Park and River Forest High School and Addison Trail High School. The event is one of 23 HerWorld events taking place across the country as part of DeVry University’s National HerWorld Month.

Mayim Bialik is partnering with DeVry University on a national level for National HerWorld® Month to show high school girls how they can make a difference in their world through STEM.

“Science, technology, engineering and math have lacked visible female role models in the past, and high school girls often perceive the curriculum for these subjects as less approachable,” said Bialik, who holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Neuroscience and currently stars in CBS's The Big Bang Theory. “HerWorld challenges this perception by giving teenage girls a platform to experience the excitement of STEM firsthand. It engages them in the unique stories of successful women who are making a difference by introducing new innovations and leading initiatives that change lives and inspire enthusiasm about the world of STEM.”

Bialik will host a HerWorld event in New York City on March 8. This year, it is anticipated that more than 7,000 young women from hundreds of high schools nationwide will participate.

Participating high schools at the event in Hoffman Estates include Elgin High School, Larkin High School, James B. Conant High School, Schaumburg High School, Hoffman Estates High School, Oak Park and River Forest High School and Addison Trail High School.