What is the goal of STEPS?
The program's aspiration
STEPS for Girls aims to break down gender and
cultural biases that may prevent young women from
considering careers in science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM). We accomplish this goal by providing
early introduction to STEM topics with hands-on
activities using female role models to break down
stereotypes and give young women the confidence
and knowledge that STEM careers are interesting,
rewarding and well within their grasp.
hnology and Engin
eeri
e Tec
enc
ng
Sci
UW-Stout
Previe
w Summer Camp
Who supports STEPS?
Current sponsors of the program
hnology and Engin
eeri
e Tec
enc
ng
Sci
UW-Stout
The program is supported in part by the
University of Wisconsin-Stout; through grants from the
Otto Bremer Foundation, the AnnMarie Foundation,
Xcel Energy and 3M; and through generous corporate
and private donations. For a full list of sponsors,
please visit our website: www.uwstout.edu/steps
To help support STEPS today, please contact:
Previe
w Summer Camp
Stout University Foundation
320 S. Broadway
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone: 715.232.1151
Email: suf@uwstout.edu
Contact us
Take a step in our direction
For current STEPS tuition, sponsorship, or other
information, please contact:
UW-Stout
228 Jarvis Hall Techology Wing
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone: 715.232.5510 | Fax: 715.232.4056
STEPS@uwstout.edu | www.uwstout.edu/steps
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
Learn more at www.uwstout.edu/steps
SUPPORT STEPS!
www.uwstout.edu/foundation
Take a step in our direction
Previe
w Summer Camp
UW-Stout
SUBMIT THIS FORM WITH YOUR GIFT TO:
Stout University Foundation | 320 S. Broadway St. | Menomonie, WI 54751
715.232.1151 | suf@uwstout.edu | www.uwstout.edu/foundation
EXPIRATION DATE
(please circle one)
 $50
 $100
 $250
 $500
$
 I would like to pledge $
every year for the next three years
 My check, made payable to the
Stout University Foundation, is enclosed
 Please charge my gift to my credit card
A survey of college-age STEPS graduates who attended
the 1997, 1998 and 1999 camps was conducted in
2005. The results indicate that girls who attend STEPS
are up to three times more likely to choose college
majors in science and engineering than peers who have
not had the STEPS experience.
hnology and Engin
eeri
e Tec
enc
ng
Sci
ACCOUNT HOLDER’S NAME
Through a voluntary pre- and post-camp survey,
perceptions about science and engineering fields are
assessed each summer. The surveys consistently
show increased interest in STEM topics by program
participants and greater awareness of the importance
of science and technology in everyday life.
CREDIT CARD NUMBER
POSITION
EMPLOYER
The core technical activities of the camp are focused
on manufacturing an obstacle-avoiding robot that
each girl will build herself and take home. These
activities take place within state-of-the-art classrooms
and laboratories at UW-Stout. In the plastics lab and
foundry, participants learn how plastic and metal
components are formed. They solder the electrical
components for their robots in the electronics lab
and create a product enclosure during the packaging
activity. They operate industrial robots and learn about
automated manufacturing systems. To foster writing
and technical communication skills, they design
multimedia content and write articles about their
experiences. Their work is shared online with friends
and family. The importance of math and science is also
highlighted in several class sessions throughout the
EMAIL
A look into the program
STEPS graduates who demonstrate sustained interest
in STEM fields have the opportunity to return to the
program as mentors. They can apply to serve as junior
counselors (10th grade) and lab assistants (11th
– 12th grades) in the areas of electronics, plastics,
foundry and product assembly.
PHONE
What happens at STEPS?
STEPS graduates
STATE, ZIP
The program is structured as a series of four, five-day
camps that each serve 40 girls during the months of
July and August. The girls are divided into four teams of
10 that are led by a female college student who serves
as their counselor. Each team is involved in a balanced
schedule of hands-on technical, developmental and
recreational activities, all of which are designed to be
fun and interesting.
Outcomes
CITY
The Science, Technology and Engineering
Preview Summer for Girls (STEPS for Girls) program
began at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1997. The
mission of the program is to inspire young women to
prepare for and pursue careers in science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) fields. The program is
designed for girls entering seventh grade and exposes
the participants to a broad range of interesting career
options and builds confidence in their ability to learn
and succeed in technical fields.
ADDRESS
A brief overview of the program
week. Most sessions are conducted by UW-Stout faculty,
staff and students, a majority of whom are women.
In addition to technical activities, several developmental
and recreational activities are planned each week.
Campers tour two local manufacturing companies to
develop an appreciation for how things are made.
NAME(S)
What is STEPS?