PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland high school is taking a unique approach to encourage women to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering and math. St. Mary’s Academy also recently received an award from the college board, for diversity in computer science.
The school requires every student to take a computer science course as a freshmen. Due to that emphasis, as well as a large female staff presence, students and teachers said they are seeing more students pursue the career path.
The school also offers electives like robotics and AP computer science.
"This class was the reason that I started applying to colleges for computer science," Gwenyth Snyder, a senior at St. Mary’s Academy said of her AP computer science course.
Traditionally, computer science is a male-dominated field, though several students hope to change that.
"I really really want to get my PHD in computer science," Cynthia Arenas, a senior said.
Eventually, Arenas hopes to create her own software tech company, and create scholarship opportunities for other women hoping to enter the field.
"Like I'm just one of the many trying to break down this barrier for women in STEM," Arenas said.
Other students, like Snyder, plan to go into computer science as well. Snyder plans to focus on AI and computer science ethics. Meanwhile her sister, Amelia Snyder, is hoping that a basic knowledge of computer science will give her a leg-up in the medical field.
"Really pushes me to think in a different way and solve problems in a different way," Amelia Snyder said.
Students and teacher Kira Smith think mandatory STEM classes could be a pathway to more women pursuing STEM careers.
"It's so vital to have that representation and to have that voice in what we're developing," Smith said.