Sherman, Texas -- The first ever Girls in Gear summer camp was held in Texoma this summer through a unique partnership between local industry and school districts. Thirty girls from Sherman and Denison attended the free, hands-on STEM program for incoming sixth-grade girls to explore high-tech tools and manufacturing careers, and learn how real products are designed and built.

During the camp, held June 2-4, students visited local companies to see manufacturing processes in action, meet local leaders working in manufacturing, try real high-tech tools used in manufacturing, and build fun, hands-on projects during team activities.

The students spent their time at Sherman and Denison High Schools, and made field trips to Assa Abloy, Global Wafers, and other Sherman ISD and Denison ISD campuses throughout their time at the camp.

Sessions were led by industry experts and educators from Sherman ISD, Denison ISD, and Austin College. The camp was initiated by Women in STEM, a local group focused on connecting and supporting women working in local manufacturing industries, celebrating their achievements, and encouraging leadership and networking. The group, which has members from local industry and educational institutions including Assa Abloy, Austin College, Denison ISD, Denison Development Alliance (DDA), Global Wafers, Grayson College, Sherman Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Sherman ISD, and Texoma Workforce Solutions, also educates and inspires girls to explore STEM careers with a focus on opportunities in manufacturing.

“Historically, women have faced underrepresentation in STEM fields due to barriers such as limited early exposure, lack of confidence, pervasive stereotypes, and insufficient access to mentorship,” said Lisa Holloway, Director of Corporate Foundation and Government Relations at Austin College and member of Women in STEM. “The Women in STEM committee came together to help women in STEM fields connect across company boundaries and to encourage the younger generation’s interest in STEM.”

“The Girls in Gear camp exposes rising sixth graders to STEM careers at a crucial stage in their identity development,” continued Holloway. “We hope to empower these girls to pursue STEM interests and increase the visibility of local women currently working in STEM fields, creating a pipeline of talented women who will make a positive impact on the technological growth in the region.”

Sponsored by SEDCO, the camp is a product of a unique community-wide collaboration. “SEDCO, DDA, Sherman ISD, Denison ISD, Austin College, Grayson College, Workforce Solutions Texoma, and our local manufacturers all worked together to bring this camp to life,” said SEDCO’s Vice President of Business Development Shannon Blake.

“Something that is really special about the Texoma region is the way in which all of us work together — there may be an historic rivalry on the football field, but this camp is evidence of a thriving sense of partnership across our community,” said Sherman ISD’s coordinator for Career & Technical Education Elizabeth Clayton, who was instrumental in coordinating the camp.

“We received great feedback from the students at the end of camp,” added Blake. “Many students commented on how the experience made them feel excited, curious, confident, and inspired.”

Based on the success of this year’s Girls in Gear camp, plans are already underway to offer it again next year.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, is in one
of the fastest growing regions of the state and the flourishing North Texas technology corridor. One of
44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, the College boasts a
welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students
representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of 1,300 students and an average class size of 15 allow for a personalized education for every student. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition.