EMU hosts the annual Digital Divas Conference to inspire middle school girls in STEM

By Nautica Marshall / EMU

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology will welcome 300 middle school girls to its annual Digital Divas Conference from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, Eastern Michigan University’s Judy Sturgis Hill Building in the Legacy Theatre, 1031 E. Circle Dr. Ypsilanti, MI, 48197.

The Digital Divas Conference fosters interest and enthusiasm in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young women.

This year’s event will bring together educators, students, and industry experts who will share their experiences, offer guidance, and inspire participants. Attendees will be able to engage in hands-on workshops on diverse STEM fields, including construction, interior design, electrical engineering, chemistry, astronomy, physics, esports, and more.

“We are thrilled to provide young girls with a dynamic and engaging environment where they can discover the vast opportunities in STEM,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of female innovators, creators, and leaders.”

Participating schools:

  • Stevenson Middle School
  • Hope of Detroit Academy
  • Summit Academy North Middle School
  • Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School
  • University K-12 Academy
  • Strong Middle School
  • Greenfield Union
  • Madison Middle School
  • Tecumseh Middle School
  • St. Anne Catholic Grade School
  • Stout Middle School
  • Global Tech Academy

The 2025 Digital Divas Conference is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who share the vision of a more diverse and inclusive STEM community. This year’s sponsors include Toyota, Wacker, AAUW-Ann Arbor Branch, ITC, and DTE Foundation.

Established in 2010, Digital Divas has encouraged middle and high school students, particularly girls, to embrace STEM subjects and careers. Since its inception, the program has hosted over 10,000 middle and high school girls from southeast Michigan.

For more information, visit the EMU Digital Divas homepage to learn more about the conference. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the website.

About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, construction management, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields in engineering and technology. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals’ intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

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