DeVry University HerWorld Program Fact Sheet
According to research, careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are growing 2-3
times faster than any other career field, but the number of high school students enrolling in STEM-related
degree fields continues to drop. In an effort to close this growing gap, in 2012, DeVry University launched
a movement called STEM Ready. STEM Ready aims to introduce more
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high school students to STEM and careers within those fields.
DeVry University’s HerWorld program is just one of the many components
of its STEM Ready movement, and serves to inspire young women to
reach their potential and encourages them to explore STEM career fields.
At HerWorld events, attendees interact with peers, participate in
educational and confidence-building activities, and receive advice from
successful female leaders in the community to motivate them to prepare
and succeed in college to reach their career dreams.
History of HerWorld
DeVry University developed HerWorld more than 15 years ago at its
Columbus, Ohio campus to empower young women to explore careers in
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As demand for the
program grew, it was rolled out to DeVry University campuses across the
country.
Now a national program, HerWorld, is part of DeVry University’s recently
launched cause-related platform known as STEM Ready. Through its
HerWorld program, DeVry University introduces high school women to indemand STEM careers and helps inspire them to achieve new possibilities
today and reach their greatest potential tomorrow.
“When I left HerWorld I was
not the same. Now, I look at
things differently. I even look
at myself differently. I look at
the world differently. The part
that impacted me the most was
when we worked together to
come up with an invention.
That opened my eyes to see
that females can do anything
that a male can do and do it
better. When I grow up, I want
to be a pharmacist. This
experience showed me that I
can become a pharmacist, by
putting my all in everything I
do. And, I will do just that!” –
Testimonial from HerWorld high
school student at a New York
HerWorld Event
National HerWorld Month
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DeVry University hosted its first National HerWorld Month in 2010,
where more than 5,100 young women from hundreds of high
schools participated in more than 40 HerWorld events across the country.
In March 2012, more than 7,500 young women participated in more than
30 HerWorld events across the country.
As an official education provider of the U.S. Olympic Committee,
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls through
2016 attended select 2012 events across the country to share
stories about goal-setting and to motivate participants to follow
their dreams.
DeVry University’s corporate partners including Microsoft
Corporation, Hewlett Packard Company, Apple and Cisco,
provide guest speakers at many events to further support
HerWorld’s powerful message.
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High School Involvement
DeVry University invites both public and private high schools located near local campuses to participate in
HerWorld events occurring in their communities. Many request to be invited again because their students
had such a positive experience.
Interactive HerWorld Workshops
DeVry University HerWorld events provide high school student attendees with the opportunity to
participate in a variety of hands-on workshops that provide technical, financial and scientific experiences.
Some of the workshops that have been conducted at past HerWorld events include:
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Building and programming robots that can make coffee and blow bubbles
Assembling light sensors
Dissecting a sheep’s brain
Creating an earthquake-proof structure
Identification of computer hardware components and their functions
Solving binary code puzzles
Learning how forensic science plays a role in criminal investigations
The Need to Expand Young Women’s Knowledge of
Careers in STEM-related Fields
HerWorld aligns with the nation’s need to prepare the next
generation of employees in America for eight million jobs that will
be available in STEM-related fields by 2018.
By introducing young women to successful female leaders,
HerWorld shows attendees that they can succeed alongside men
in science, technology, engineering and math positions, and
provides advice about how to get there and succeed.
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A 2011 report illustrates that in addition to a lower likelihood of experiencing joblessness; STEM
workers earn 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts. By exposing young women to
female leaders in STEM, HerWorld shows how women can succeed alongside men in these
positions, and gives them a checklist for preparing to get there 1.
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It is critical to get young girls interested in STEM at an early age because they develop an interest
and are motivated by programs that are enjoyable and create enthusiasm. Many girls do not
perceive themselves as being successful in these careers because they lack role models and
must develop a sense that these fields are challenging, rewarding and realizable 2.
2011 U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economics and Statistics Administration, Findings from STEM: Good Jobs
Now and for the Future
2 Washington Post, Kimberly Brown, U.S. needs to spark girls’ interest in technology, February 22, 2012
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For More Information:
Melanie Wright
Public Relations Manager, DeVry University
215.591.5909
mwright1@devry.edu
Jenna Simenic
MSL Chicago
312.861.5277
jenna.simenic@mslgroup.com
To view videos of past HerWorld events, please visit the links included below:
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HerWorld 2010
HerWorld 2009
In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of
Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org. Certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. DeVry
University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN
37211. Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, Certification No. C-498. AC0060.
Program availability varies by location. © 2012 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved