Girls & STEM draws inquisitive minds at Discovery World

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Discovery World was packed with women and their families today, getting a first-hand look at local opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"My favorite part is the little aha moments that you can see on their faces when they learn something for the first time. See that they can find another woman that can be in that field and they see themselves in it," said Discovery World Director of Public Experiences Shannon Atwood.

Organizers say over a thousand people came out for Girls & STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Discovery World on Sunday.

More than 25 vendors came out to show young girls, but also boys, what sorts of opportunities are available in STEM fields.

"Unfortunately, we do not have enough women still in STEM careers," said Northwestern Mutual STEM Outreach Lead Program Manager Stacy Zaja.

Zaja was there showing kids the basics of programming by controlling mini ball-shaped robots and more.

"We are creating a lot of fun and awareness today so that one day these girls are working at companies like Northwestern Mutual, or many of the great companies that are here today," said Zaja.

It's not lost on kids like Ava and Olivia Baumgartner.

"It's pretty cool because you get to learn about opportunities that you can have when you're older," said nine-year-old Ava.

"It helps kids learn more about science and math and it can open up doors in the future," said 12-year-old Olivia.

Their cousin, 13-year-old Sophia O'Leske, says seeing women like Zaja there makes careers in STEM seem like something she can do too.

"I think, seeing the people who create it and also seeing what they did actually causes to be way more fun and more interactive," said O'Leske.

Officials with Discovery World say that's what this event is all about.

"We want everyone to be able to explore endlessly and to be able to discover the wonders of science," said Rese Schneider, Discovery World VP of External Affairs, adding that this is about opening doors that were once closed. "Now, it's accessible and now it's here and we want to be a part of that."