What is This Is A Girl Thing?

"This Is A Girl Thing," aka #TIAGT, is a local campaign that we have created to empower girls in STEM. We had the inspiration for this movement after a less-than-favorable interaction with a "VIP" at a robotics competition, where he asked our female members if we did "girl things" on the team. After that, we decided that our mission was to show that This Is A Girl Thing. We are empowering girls of all ages in STEM, and teaching them that what they are doing is not inherently unfeminine, and that they deserve to be included in STEM activities. 

Continuing our mission of breaking the stereotype that girls do not belong in STEM, we actively host hands-on workshops for underprivileged girls across our county. These sessions are intentionally designed to be both accessible and engaging, introducing students to foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive robotics activities. Participants gain exposure to core skills such as basic programming, mechanical design, and problem-solving, all within a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages curiosity and confidence.

Beyond technical instruction, these workshops serve as a critical entry point for students who may not otherwise have access to STEM opportunities. By providing mentorship, resources, and real-world applications of STEM concepts, we aim to demystify these fields and make them more approachable. As a result of these efforts, the Metal Jackets have observed a measurable increase not only in students’ enjoyment and confidence in STEM, but also in their long-term interest in pursuing STEM-related academic pathways and careers.