Northrop Grumman sponsored the 18th annual Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference in Northern Utah. The EYH Network is a nation-wide organization that helps to inspire young women to realise their potential and pursue the vast and various opportunities in STEM careers. 

Lindsay Storrs, Utah’s 2News meteorologist, launched the event with a keynote speech. “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” she said. “Set goals and do everything you can to achieve them.”

A full day of fun workshops

At the conference, the students attended three workshops from a choice of 25 options. Women in STEM careers led hands-on workshops, empowering the participants pursue STEM-related professions.

The workshops spanned a variety of interactive, hands-on activities, including learning what it takes to be a doctor, rocket scientist, chemist, engineer, computer programmer and more. Around 400 young women from grades six through nine attended the conference and came from more than 65 schools throughout Northern Utah.

Amy Long, Maya Smith and Dyllan Guay are three sixth grade students whose favourite workshops were Cosmetic Chemistry, Patent Lawyers – You’re Supposed to Argue, Roller Coasters – License to Thrill and many more. This was there first conference and they were very happy they got involved and hoped they can come back every year. "There are so many fun choices of workshops to help me decide what I want to be when I grow up," said Amy. 

Encouraging women into STEM careers

More than 6,500 young women have attended the Northrop Grumman-sponsored conference over the past 18 years. Many of the attendees have decided to pursue college degrees in STEM fields, and some have even returned to EYH as workshop leaders.

“It’s important for young women to know that careers in STEM are not only vital to expanding our knowledge but can also be so much fun,” said Chelsea Walker, principal mechanical engineer at Northrop Grumman in Promontory, Utah, and the conference's chairperson. “I love EYH because it promotes enjoyable career paths for young women, and I appreciate the opportunity to have a role in this worthwhile effort.”

Northrop Grumman supports many outreach programmes

Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to encouraging STEM education for young people and enhancing diversity within the talentpool of STEM students around the world. Northrop Grumman's annual EYH sponsorship is just one of the many ways the company supports this initiative - Northrop Grumman is involved in a wide range of outreach programmes and events that inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Northrop Grumman also funds STEM outreach programs from preschool to high school to college, with a large emphasis on middle school students and teachers. Northrop Grumman gave over $20.4 million to STEM-related groups such as the Air Force Association (CyberPatriot), the REC Foundation (VEX Robotics), National Science Teachers Association, Great Minds in Stem (Viva Technology) and EarthEcho’s International EarthEcho Expeditions.

“A last comment I would have, would be to encourage young women to take full advantage of opportunities to gain the maximum amount of education in math and science before graduating from high school,” added Chelsea. “That will really boost their college career, for starters.”

Join a company like Northrop Grumman that values diversity

Northrop Grumman women are leading the way in changing the face of the STEM industry by bringing their diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences to the field. If you want to be part of this pioneering movement, have a look at the exciting careers available at Northrop Grumman.

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