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Local middle school girls considering more STEM careers

Students from Ribault, Kipp, and Kirby middle schools were given the chance hear from women in science, technology engineering and math fields.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- One-hundred high school girls are considering more options for their future.

It's all part of the American Heart Association's 'STEM Goes Red' event.

Students from Ribault, Kipp, and Kirby middle schools were given the chance hear from women in science, technology engineering and math fields.

The students then got to put their skills to the test with hands-on learning stations.

The goal of the event is to empower young women to pursue careers in fields often dominated by men.

" Right now there’s a big disparity between the men and women going into stem fields. We’re trying to get them early, when they’re in middle school as they plan their high school careers and get them to believe that they can do it," said Amy Mergen, FIS, senior vice president and chief of staff.

Statistics show 3 in every 100 women graduating from college get jobs in the area of STEM.

Experts say early high school is a critical time to reach girls about the possibilities.

But, since these students are starting in middle school, they’re already a few steps ahead.

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