Overview:

If the U.S. is to maintain its competitive advantage in the global economy, we need to ensure that our entire population of young people, especially girls, is educated in STEM fields. Girl Scouts is the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls and their development. Along with our partners, we are committed to creating the next generation of critical, hybrid thinkers and innovators.

5 Steps You Can Take:

1. Give girls the chance to take part in hands-on STEM activities or projects, through organizations like Girl Scouts or after-school activities.

Research shows that hands-on learning activities make STEM more relevant to girls.

2. Introduce girls to women role models in STEM fields

-- either in person or through conversation about women in STEM fields who are featured in books, movies or the news.

3. Connect girls with “near peers” – college students or young professionals – who are passionate about STEM.

Girls can more easily relate to younger women, and imagine following in their footsteps.

4. Talk to girls about how the issues they care most about — from taking care of animals to feeding the hungry — can be addressed by people in STEM fields.

Research shows that girls are more interested in STEM, and choose STEM careers, when they can see the connection to helping others or making the world a better place.

5. Help girls find ways to give service in a way that matters to them

– whether working in a community garden or doing a “citizen science” project – and then talk to them about how STEM is woven throughout what they’ve done; how they can discover and find their capacity to address problems; how they can connect with others to explore solutions; and how they can take action to resolve challenges .

Suzanne Harper is Director of Programs and Frank Signorello is Manager of STEM Programs for Girl Scouts of the USA.

All statements and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the individual contributors, and not of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or NBC News.