A U.S. Department of Commerce study finds that women hold just 25 percent of U.S.-based positions in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Women of color represent an even smaller cohort in the STEM workforce, holding less than 20 percent of these jobs.
Because of its long-standing commitment to developing a strong and diverse STEM workforce, Booz Allen Hamilton introduced STEM Girls for Social Good (SG4SG), a program that offers girls opportunities to learn STEM concepts while exploring real world social problems.
In summer 2016, nearly 50 middle and high school girls from Washington, DC, participated in the program, joining Booz Allen employees and the firm’s summer interns to learn about food deserts. Using STEM disciplines, participants identified zip codes that contain food deserts—areas where access to affordable, healthy food options is limited or nonexistent. The students also explored viable options to combat food deserts on a macro scale, and help those who live in them gain access to healthier options.