Since 1982, women have earned almost 10 million more college degrees than men. Yet, today, only 11% of practicing engineers are women, a stunning disparity that is robbing America of innovation, creativity and diverse thinking, and most women of the higher salaries available in the engineering field.

Girl Day is an annual celebration of girls’ interests and aptitude in science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) education and potential in STEM-related career fields. While Girl Day — which this year will be recognized on Feb. 26 — brings with it varied opportunities for single-day events and activities across the United States, it represents a much broader, sustained effort.

Girl Day, one of many programs sponsored by DiscoverE (formerly the National Engineers Week Foundation), is designed to spur national awareness around the importance of attracting more females to engineering and automation, and inspire more personal and community-based involvement in introducing girls to the marvels and excitement of STEM learning.

Developing or participating in a Girl Day event or activity is a great way to kick off your involvement. Not sure where to start? The Girl Day website has lots of ideas. Some of them include:
• Inviting a girl to shadow you at work;
• Mentoring a group of middle-school or high-school girls;
• Hosting a Girl Day event;
• Making a presentation about engineering at a middle-school or high-school career day;
• Hosting a lunch or dinner for a group of girls;
• Volunteering as a judge for a science and engineering fair; or
• Conducting hands-on engineering demonstrations with a group of girls.

Other ways to spread the word:
• Tell a friend. Do your colleagues, friends and family know about Girl Day? Share your passion for getting more girls involved in engineering.
• Order your free Girl Day poster.
• Go social to share your message or your efforts on  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #girlday2015. Make a video and post it on youtube and vimeo.