Waterford Alternative High School girls explore careers in STEM fields

DETROIT, December 4, 2025 — Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it comes to women in STEM occupations. Women make up almost half of employment across non-STEM occupations but just over 29% of the STEM workforce.[1] That’s why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, brought Go Red for Women®’s STEM Goes Red to Detroit on December 2, 2025. STEM Goes Red addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.

Detroit STEM Goes Red, sponsored by Gentherm, brought to life stimulating and impactful careers in STEM and gave participating students access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail.

“STEM Goes Red draws on the American Heart Association’s strong legacy of science, education and discovery, offering an immersive experience that propels young women into this exciting world,” said Sara Hegarty, executive director for the American Heart Association - Southeast Michigan. “By ensuring a new generation of female scientists, doctors, inventors and changemakers, we’re taking critical steps to secure their future as well as our own.”

Of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation[2], leading to persistent disparities in women’s health. By equipping and inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers, we can ensure women are represented in critical sectors that impact health and well-being such as healthcare, research and technology.

The American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red launched in 2017 as part of the Go Red for Women® movement. For more than 20 years, Go Red for Women has served as a catalyst for change, improving women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s No. 1 health threat—cardiovascular disease.

Over 40 girls from Waterford Alternative High School participated in this year’s event held at Lawrence Technological University. During the four-hour interactive program, students were able to attend three different break-out sessions where they learned Hands-Only CPR, relay coding and how to take vital signs. Each breakout session allowed students to interact with experts and ask questions about what a job in that field might look like. During lunch, students got to participate in a speed mentoring session with local female leaders in STEM industries. The event culminated with a student-led tour of campus and college admission advice.

"STEM Goes Red' is not just a catchy phrase; it's a laser-focused mission,” Mary Schutten, Founding Dean, College of Health Sciences at Lawrence Technological University said. “We are aiming the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at the biggest challenges in human health—especially heart disease, the number one killer of women. Having the chance to share hands on experiences with these students is empowering for all."  

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Gentherm. For more information about the Detroit Go Red for Women movement, contact Bryce Stout at Bryce.Stout@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/detroitgored.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Go Red for Women® 

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). 

For Media Inquiries:

Sarah Rood: Sarah.Rood@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org