Pioneering Your Future in STEM is a one-day event designed for fifth- through eighth-grade students, with a focus on inspiring more girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Hosted by the UW-Platteville Women in STEM Program, this event highlights careers that emphasize creative problem-solving, forward-thinking, societal impact, and shaping the future of our world.

Despite advancements, women remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce, particularly in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences. This program aims to bridge that gap by sparking curiosity and interest through hands-on, interactive sessions that foster skills such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Experimentation
  • Learning the design process
  • Solving real-world challenges

Discover the exciting possibilities within STEM fields and learn how these careers make a meaningful difference in society. More women are needed in STEM to drive innovation and create a better future—this program is the first step in making that change.

  
Click on the UPCOMING EVENTS for date-specific details, including cost, deadlines, and registration.

Attending Pioneering Your Future in STEM

Pioneering Your Future in STEM is open to individuals, school groups, and home-school groups. Registration is limited to 150 participants, with a waitlist once capacity is reached. Early registration is encouraged.

All participants must be chaperoned by teachers, parents, or guardians, maintaining a 10:1 participant-to-chaperone ratio. Schools may bring parents as chaperones. Chaperones must attend all breakout sessions with their students and have primary custodial responsibility. A chaperone must attend breakout sessions with their students.

For questions, contact us at pyf@uwplatt.edu or 608.342.7137.

Cost

The $30 fee per student covers breakfast, lunch, program materials, and project supplies. School groups can request an invoice for payment via email. We accept checks or credits cards. The link to the credit card payment or address to mail a check will be in the registration. Individuals with financial need may request a scholarship by emailing pyf@uwplatt.edu.

Session Topics

Pioneering Your Future in STEM is a collaborative effort by UW-Platteville faculty, staff, and students from STEM programs, that may include agriculture, animal science, applied engineering technology management, biology, chemistry, computer science, construction management, dairy science, a variety of engineering disciplines, environmental science, mathematics, psychology, and sustainability and renewable energy systems. Each year features new session topics, with contributions from both university faculty and industry partners.

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UW-Platteville Women in STEM Program

UW-Platteville offers a diverse range of STEM majors, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Through the Women in STEM Program, the university fosters a supportive and empowering environment that goes beyond academics. This program offers mentorship opportunities, peer support, and the chance to build lasting friendships. The program ensures that women in STEM have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive and succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

Mailing List

Get advance information about Pioneering Your Future in STEM along with other pre-college program events like Women in STEM Career Day and STEM Expo, by signing up for the mailing list.

Pioneering Your Future is for 5th – 8th grade students. Our focus is on girls to encourage them to enter the STEM fields by providing female role models to help them see themselves in STEM Careers. In the US, women make up about 34% of STEM occupations. When you break that down by discipline, women are 14% in engineering and 21% in computer programming. Our mission of the Women in STEM Program is to recruit and graduate more women in the STEM programs that we offer to create a more diverse STEM workforce. We also have our annual STEM Expo which is open to girls and boys.