STEM 4 DC Girls

State Representative and Senator Anna Belle Clement O'Brien was a trailblazer for women in government. She turned traditional expectations on their head with her slogan for Senate in 1976: "A woman's place is in the House…and the Senate too!"

When Anna Belle Clement O’Brien became a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1975, just 10% of elected state officials were women. The presence of women in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in 2015 is reminiscent of Anna Belle’s early days in government. Only 25% of professional STEM positions are held by women. Only 20% of the Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics are awarded to women. Furthermore, only 26% of women with a STEM degree have entered a STEM career. Research shows that the involvement of girls in Math and Science begins to decline during Middle School.

Therefore, in honor, and in the spirit, of Anna Belle Clement O’Brien, the CRHM intends to provide young girls in Dickson County with expertise and confidence in the STEM subjects during this critical time in their education. The program will foster interest and growth in the STEM subjects, provide positive role models for the young women, and fellowship among participants.