Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to fuel your curiosity and strengthen your bonds with our Society of Women Engineers (SWE) global community!
Whether you’re taking a break from classes or looking for ways to boost your resume, this guide will help you stay active in STEM, discover inspiring reads, and keep your SWENext network humming all season long.
1. Hands-On STEM Adventures
Virtual Labs & Simulations
- Dive into PhET Interactive Simulations (physics, biology, chemistry) to tinker with circuits or explore wave phenomena online.
- Explore NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System for real-time spacecraft data and 3D visualizations of planetary missions.
- Use free coding sandboxes like CodePen or Glitch to build simple web apps or animations.
2. Summer STEM Reading List
Women-Centered Journals & Bios
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly: The untold story of brilliant Black women mathematicians at NASA.
- Lab Girl by Hope Jahren: A beautifully written verse on plant science and perseverance.
STEM Fiction & Popular Science
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba: An inspiring tale of engineering ingenuity in Malawi.
- Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson: A whirlwind tour of the cosmos.
3. Online Courses, Workshops & Certificates
Coding Bootcamps
- Level up in JavaScript, web development, or UX/UI design with short-term programs such as Codecademy Pro or freeCodeCamp certifications.
Webinars & Virtual Conferences
- You can register for the SWENext High School Leadership Academy (SHLA), which is an engaging virtual program that builds self-confidence and resilience among pre-college students interested in engineering and technology degrees and provides multiple opportunities to network with peers, mentors, role models, and industry professionals.
4. Volunteer, Mentor, and Give Back
Local STEM Outreach
- Partner with libraries, science centers, or FIRST Robotics teams to lead workshops. Teaching solidifies your own skills and looks great on a resume.
Online Tutoring
- Offer free virtual tutoring to students worldwide through platforms like Khan Academy or Schoolhouse.world.
5. Staying Connected With SWENext
Social Media Engagement
- Follow @SWENext on Instagram and X for STEM project prompts, scholarship deadlines, and inspiring spotlights.
- Use the hashtag #SWENext to showcase your summer builds, book reviews, or research milestones.
Plan Ahead for Fall
- Register early for SWENext regional conferences and leadership workshops through SHLA. Many have application deadlines in late summer!
