Supporting Women & Girls in STEM

February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science Day, which serves as a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities. According to the United Nations, a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.

As an energy provider, UGI Utilities relies on professionals with STEM skills to deliver safe and reliable energy to our customers. With a focus on sustainability, it is vitally important for UGI to continue to pursue innovation and ensure there are talented people to drive that innovation. We are committed to inspiring future STEM professionals by supporting programs that teach students the necessary skills to enter the workforce.

UGI Utilities is proud to support the Da Vinci Science Center’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) initiative which aims to create a supportive community of women employed in STEM fields and encourage girls who aspire to follow a STEM career path.

Last fall, employees participated in the Da Vinci Science Center’s WISE Career Connection Days, an event designed for students to explore a variety of STEM related careers and businesses that exist in the Lehigh Valley region. UGI employees spoke with more than 300 local students about their career paths and the utilities industry. Employees also handed out Scratch and Sniff brochures and taught students what to do if they smell natural gas.

Employees also attended the Da Vinci Science Center’s Annual WISE Forum, which brings together high school and college students who are interested in STEM with accomplished professionals in STEM fields ranging from academia and healthcare to design engineering and space exploration. In addition to networking, students also heard from a panel of four distinguished women in STEM who shared their perspectives on working in a male-dominated industry.

UGI Utilities is proud to support the Da Vinci Science Center’s efforts to inspire young women to pursue an interest in STEM!

Follow UGI Utilities on Facebook (@UGIUtilities), Twitter (@UGI_Utilities) and Instagram (@ugiutilities) or visit https://www.ugi.com/community-programs to learn more about how UGI supports local students.