Event encourages girls to enter STEM fields

A local women's advocacy group is working to encourage more girls to enter the fields of science, engineering, math and technology.
The Westchester branch of the American Association of University Women held its third annual  "Wiz Girls Building the Future" event Saturday at Ardsley Middle School.
Girls enjoyed hands-on workshops and activities taught by female professional engineers and scientists.
One local high school student says she joined in to help foster a love of science in the youngsters.
"If you don't get exposed to something, you might not ever think of it as something you can do in the future," says Lauren Peacock, of Pleasantville.
Organizers say less than 20 percent of technology and engineering graduates are female -- and they say that underscores why it's important to expose girls to STEM careers.