According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, women comprise 48 percent of the U.S. workforce — but just 24 percent of workers in STEM fields.

These numbers stem from pipeline issues, personal choices, and biases — where women who are looking to specialize in subjects ranging from astrophysics to marine microbiology are being edged out.

EXPLO is looking to change all of that.

Our Bioengineering for Girls program (for students entering grades 9-11) welcomes young women into college labs under the instruction of Professor Laura Ekstrom, and connects them with professionals and researchers from around the U.S. who introduce them to the many opportunities and possibilities in the field. They leave the program with an introduction to bioengineering research, an understanding of the many facets of STEM research and professions they can pursue, and mentors they can continue to call upon as they explore the path forward.