When Madeline Bernstein ’15 looked around her math and science classes sophomore year, she noticed predominantly male participation, with girls remaining more reserved, hesitant to speak-up even if they knew the answer. Everything around her seemed to prove the age-old adage true: girls are just not interested in math and science.

“LT is a really welcoming and supportive environment, and for me to see girls struggle to have a voice was very discouraging,” Bernstein said.

Thus, the idea for GEMS, Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science, was born.

The club was created with the intention of forming a supportive community for young women interested in math and science. GEMS meets Wednesdays bimonthly and balances between sit-down meetings and informal outings to local labs, universities and outreach opportunities.

“[GEMS] gives girls a chance for leadership and the confidence to explore a field they might not otherwise be interested in,” Dheeksha Ranginana ’17 said.

Encouraged at the idea of inspiring a new generation of GEMS, the club is in the process of organizing an outreach program to encourage local middle school girls to pursue math and science. Callie Pogge, a Biology teacher, is in the process of replacing Bruce Falli as the club’s official advisor, and she remains optimistic about the future of GEMS.

“We hope GEMS becomes an official LT club in the near future and is able to recruit girls for years to come,” she said. “I want GEMS to be something people hear about and talk about, not only in the school, but in the community.”

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