16th Annual Women Can Do! Conference

16 Oct 2014

On October 16th, a record-breaking 550 young women from grades 9th-12th across Vermont attended Vermont Works for Women’s 16th annual Women Can Do! conference at the Vermont Tech Randolph Center campus. This conference was a “roll up your sleeves” career exposure day with an immersion in activities related to skilled trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

The event is presented yearly by Vermont Works for Women which helps women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue and excel in work that leads to economic independence.  Vermont Tech President Dan Smith, Secretary of Education Rebecca Holcombe,  Jay Ramsey, Vermont Agency of Education, and Lt. Governor Phil Scott, welcomed students from 55 high schools from all Vermont counties – with inspiring remarks.  Vermont Tech is proud to be a major sponsor of the event each year.

The daylong program included 35 “hands-on” workshops and an outside “interactive EXPO” highlighting careers in architecture, engineering, computer engineering technology, green energy, fire-fighting, auto and diesel technology, veterinary tech, agriculture and many other typically non-traditional careers for women.  Several of the workshops were presented by Vermont Tech faculty along with current students and alums.  Plans are already underway for next year’s annual event at Vermont Tech.  Check out this video capturing highlights of the day.