Northrop Grumman recently hosted its 19th annual Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) conference. According to a company statement, 400 girls from grades six through nine attended the event at Box Elder Middle School in Brigham City, Utah.

EYH is structured to enable students to participate in three hands-on, STEM-related workshops, selected from 22 options. Each workshop is led by a woman in a STEM profession who serves as a role model empowering participants to see themselves in STEM-related careers.

One of 22 workshops the students could choose from, called "Roller Coasters – License to Thrill," taught students how to use engineering design and problem-solving approaches to “build the coolest roller coaster that actually works.”

The workshops spanned a variety of fun, hands-on activities, including learning what it takes to be a doctor, rocket scientist, chemist, engineer, computer programmer and more.

“This is an amazing event to help empower girls by showing them the variety of opportunities STEM can provide. Knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math only opens up more doors,” said Jessica Widrick, this year’s chairperson, and principal structural engineer, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. “STEM careers are attainable for all, which is what these girls get to see at EYH; women who love, enjoy, or have careers in STEM-related fields.”

Over the past 19 years, more than 7,000 girls have attended the Northrop Grumman-sponsored conference. Many have chosen to pursue college degrees in STEM, and some have even come back to EYH to serve as workshop presenters.

Northrop Grumman women have received more awards at the annual Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference than any other organization.

The conference recognizes outstanding women in STEM fields, their leadership in workplaces and communities; their work as role models and mentors.