According to the Society of Women Engineers, “In the 1990’s women represented nine percent of the individuals working in architecture and engineering. By 2023, the percentage of women professionals in those fields had grown to 16.7 percent, but they are still underrepresented compared to their male counterparts.”

To highlight and address this gap, UGI Energy Services proudly recognizes Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, on February 20, 2025, is a national celebration that encourages girls of all ages to explore the exciting world of engineering and the field’s many benefits.

Those benefits are not only above-average salaries, but also intellectually stimulating work, exciting work environments from field locations to laboratories, and important projects that improve communities and advance society.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day was introduced in 2001 by DiscoverE, an organization that provides students with STEM experiences, resources, programs, and connections.

This initiative is often accompanied by engineering activity events held by volunteers, educators, and role models. The goal is to help girls develop their interest in engineering, advance their problem-solving skills, build their confidence, and inspire their future education and career paths.

Jolinda Sciscione, a chemical engineer with UGI Energy Services, explains what led to her career path in engineering. “I’ve always really enjoyed mathematics, chemistry, and physics—engineering was a perfect way to combine them,” says Sciscione.

Women in Engineering Facts

Why does female representation in engineering matter? Check out these facts:

• Only 21% of American women major in engineering in college. More than 32% of them switch their major before graduating.
• According to a 2022 study, women are proportionately credited less often and receive less recognition for their scientific contributions than men.
• The percentage of female engineering students who report feeling excluded by their peers and/or educators while in college is more than twice that of men (12% vs. 5%).
• Engineering roles are often shaped by gender stereotypes explains Susan Silbey in her article, “Why Do So Many Women Who Study Engineering Leave the Field?” Silbey finds that men are typically given engaging problem-solving tasks that allow them to develop their analytical and technical skills, while women are frequently assigned tasks such as sorting papers, copying documents, collecting equipment, writing notes, and coordinating activities.

Help Make a Difference this Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Increased advocacy for women and girls in engineering can help make pursuing and staying in this profession a level playing field instead of an uphill battle. Here are some ideas for celebrating Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.

• Become a role model. Even if you’re not in a STEM profession, you can still set an example. The girls in your life – whether it be your or a friend’s kids, nieces, cousins, neighbors, or students – could have a future in engineering. Show them it’s possible!
• Download resources from DiscoverE. They provide planning guides for volunteers, educators, and events.
• Explore events in your community. Local community centers, schools, or businesses may be hosting an event – join them! Or hold your own event and plan a day of engineer-related fun. There are tons of engineering projects you can incorporate. From building a catapult to crafting your own Rube Goldberg machines, the possibilities are endless.
• Share inspiring stories. Children learn by example. Sharing stories of successful female engineers can inspire them to follow the same path. SheHeroes has a bunch of video profiles to explore!
• Donate to scholarships. Obtaining a scholarship can be the deciding factor between a girl becoming an engineer and exploring a different career path. The Society of Women Engineers offers a scholarship program that accepts donations.
• Explore these websites. Check out the resources, stories, education, activities, and more for girls interested in engineering at Engineer Girl, Try Engineering, PBS Kids Design Squad, and Smore Science.
• Inspire others. Share this article on social media to spread awareness to your followers. Use hashtags like #IntroduceAGirlToEngineeringDay, #GirlDay, #WomenInSTEM, and #EngineerLikeAGirl.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, know that you’re making a difference by spreading awareness!

Read some inspiring stories from UGI Energy Service’s very own female engineers in our UGI Energy Services Celebrates Engineers Week and Career and Technical Education Month blog!