EMU Today

YPSILANTI –  Eastern Michigan University's Digital Divas program is set to host its 13th annual Digital Divas STEM Conference on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, 900 Oakwood in Ypsilanti. With more than 600 confirmed attendees from 21 schools, this event marks the culmination of over a decade of dedicated efforts to inspire young minds to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

This year's Digital Divas STEM Conference will explore the growing semiconductor industry in Michigan, a significant player in the global economy. The event will feature a free session for teachers to provide resources for promoting jobs in the semiconductor industry and helping them offer relevant educational opportunities to prepare the next workforce.

"Hundreds of young girls eagerly anticipate the Digital Divas conference each year because of the hands-on and networking components," said Bia Hamed, program director of Digital Divas. "A critical goal of this program is to promote STEM careers to young girls, which is essential in today's workforce and preparing them to succeed in their future roles."

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore hands-on workshops in drones, coding, finance, chemistry, orthotics and prosthetics, nursing, first aid, manufacturing, electrical engineering and much more.

Digital Divas, founded at Eastern Michigan University, has continually expanded its mission, offering innovative programs designed to empower the next generation of STEM leaders. These programs include conferences, summer camps, mentoring opportunities and interview series, all centered on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for exploration.

Digital Divas mission is to provide a venue for connecting middle and high school women with careers in STEM through:

• Introducing young women to careers in technology
• Recruiting women into technology majors
• Breaking down gender stereotypes regarding tech careers
• Creating awareness of safe online interactions
• Encouraging ethical behaviors in texting, emailing and social media

Participating schools:

• ACCE High School - Ypsilanti Community Schools
• Airport High School Upward Bound
• Central Academy
• Fordson High School
• Fraser High School
• Hope of Detroit Academy
• Jefferson High School- Upward Bound
• John Glenn, Westland
• Livonia Career Technical Center
• Macomb Math Science Technology Center 
• Michigan Islamic Academy
• Monroe High School
• Peckham - Youth Career Academy
• Pontiac Academy For Excellence
• Tecumseh High School
• Upward Bound-Ypsilanti 
• Warren Career Prep Center
• Wayne Memorial High School
• Wayne Westland Innovative Academy
• William D. Ford Career Tech Center
• Ypsilanti School District 

The 2023 Digital Divas Conference is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who share the vision of a more diverse and inclusive STEM community. This year's sponsors include Toyota, AT&T, GM, Comerica Bank, Ann Arbor Spark and GameAbove. Eastern Michigan’s Extended Programs and the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology are the hosts of the event. 

Established in 2010, Digital Divas has been at the forefront of encouraging middle and high school students, particularly girls, to embrace STEM subjects and careers. The program has hosted more than 10,000 middle and high school girls from southeast Michigan since its inception.

Visit the EMU Digital Divas homepage to learn more about the Digital Divas conference. For more information, visit the EMU Digital Divas homepage to learn more about the conference. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today