Yesterday about 100 middle- and high-school girls gathered at the Newton Free Library for inspiring, informative conversations with 16 mentors — women scientists and engineers in a variety of STEM fields and careers — in Newton’s first Envision the Future program.  One mentor said of the student attendees, “If the students I met today are the next generation of STEM, I’m confident we’re in very good hands.”  Many thanks to these mentors for their dedication and their ability to connect and inspire.

In between conversations, the attendees viewed a documentary, Big Dream, which tells the stories of seven young women as they face challenges pursuing STEM careers.

This event was sponsored by the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club, the Newton Free Library, and NewtonSTEM. Thanks to Cabot’s for ice cream, Fresh City for drinks, Crimson Petal for flowers, Microsoft and Iron Way Films for the film, and the LigerBots for volunteer help and inspiring conversation.