On March 19, 2026, Dow Operations in Plaquemine brought energy, innovation, and inspiration to the West Baton Rouge Career Academy through its annual Girls in STEM Day event. Originally launched in Texas eight years ago, Girls in STEM Day has grown into an exciting initiative supported by Dow’s Employee Resource Grant program. Three years ago, Dow’s Global Talent Acquisition Inclusions Programs Leader, Taesia Ashworth, brought the event to Louisiana.
Designed to spark curiosity and confidence, the event welcomed sixth-grade girls from West Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish, and Holy Family School for a day of hands-on learning and meaningful connection. Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive STEM experiences that brought science and technology to life. In biology, they extracted DNA from strawberries, getting a firsthand look at the building blocks of life. During the chemistry session, students created their own bath bombs, exploring chemical reactions in a fun and tangible way. Engineering concepts came alive as they experimented with pressure and flow, discovering how and why boats float. In computer science, students coded robots to navigate through a maze, strengthening their problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
Beyond the hands-on activities, students had the opportunity to connect with Dow employees who served as mentors throughout the day. By working alongside professionals, the girls experienced what it’s like to think critically, collaborate, and apply STEM skills in real-world contexts. These interactions helped students begin to envision themselves pursuing future careers in STEM fields.
More than just a one-day event, Girls in STEM Day reflects Dow’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. By investing in young learners and creating spaces where they can see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators, Dow employees are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive STEM pipeline. Events like this remind us that inspiration starts early and that when students are given the opportunity to explore, connect, and create, the possibilities for their future are limitless.
