LEXINGTON — Treasurer Deb Goldberg continued her statewide Economic Empowerment Tour today, visiting a group of seventh and eighth grade girls at Minuteman Regional High School’s ‘Girls in STEM’ camp. She met the campers and their faculty and administrators to discuss innovative strategies to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for all students.

“In the 21 century, closing the skills gap in STEM related fields is critical for the success of our students, and for the economic health and sustainability of our state,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “Programs like the ‘Girls in STEM’ camp are an essential ingredient in promoting these skills across Massachusetts.”

Minuteman Regional High School is a vocational school with a curriculum designed to students living within Massachusetts’ high-tech corridor. The high school offers a week long career exploratory camp for girls that features a hands-on learning experience for the participants, and a mentorship program facilitated by Minuteman high school students certified and enrolled in STEM majors.

“We’re very proud of the ‘Girls in STEM’ camp,” said Dr. Edward A. Bouquillon, Superintendent at Minuteman High School. “It expands opportunities for girls and young women by opening their eyes to new career possibilities. It’s part of Minuteman’s commitment to help narrow the skills gap between men and women in the STEM fields.”

On day one Treasurer Goldberg created the Office of Economic Empowerment led by a deputy treasurer, with the deliberate goal of incorporating a range of initiatives, including financial literacy, college affordability, and programming to support wage equality.

For more information on the Office of Economic Empowerment visit www.mass.gov/treasury or by following the hashtag #EmpowermentMA.

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