Sean Varner began taking dance classes at age 6. Despite teasing from his peers, Varner dances ballet, tap, jazz, broadway and hip hop as a way to cope with anxiety.
Produced by Pam Kapolka, a sophomore at Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Chris Schwalm.
Station support provided by WITF.
High school senior Semra is a member of the LGBT community at her high school. As she gradually made the choice to forgo gender norms by wearing her hair short and dressing in men’s clothes, she was supported by her friends and family.
Produced by Lauren Helstad, Mya Long and Lauren Perry, students at Black River Falls High School in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Julie Tiedens.
Mentor support provided by Steve Bayless of Arizona Public Media.
Since seventh grade, Lexi Dressing has been tackling gender stereotypes as the only girl on her school football team. Now a junior, Lexi is the kicker for Nation Ford High School’s varsity team.
Produced by Sydney Miller, a junior at Fort Mill High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Karin McKemey.
Station support provided by South Carolina ETV.
Kalei Kipp is the only girl in Cedar Crest High School’s welding program. Even though only three percent of welders in the U.S. are women, instructor Mr. Grumbine says the few girls that have taken his class are some of his best students. Kalei is seriously considering a career in the field despite the lack of female representation and its reputation as a “man’s” job.
Produced by Jordan Brown, a sophomore at Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Chris Schwalm.
Station support provided by WITF.
What’s it like to be a female mechanic? Sofia Rodriguez is an 18-year-old Texas native who currently works at both Jiffy Lube and Dynamic Motor Repair. Working in a male-dominated field can be challenging however, Sofia says “bring it on.”
Produced by Luisa Garcia and Karen Lopez, students at Manor High School in Manor, Texas.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Rakeda Ervin.
Mentor support provided by Allie Sandza of KLRU.
After struggling in school, Brandi Blackshear became a member of the YouthBuild program in Louisville, Kentucky. Although there aren’t as many females in construction, the program has shown Brandi how to set goals and think about a better future.
Produced by students at Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educators Mary Dunn.
Mentor support provided by Kentucky Educational Television.
Julianna Luce sees other girls “pushed away” from set design, but she has found that taking charge is very freeing and helps her get her hands dirty while building her own inclusive tech crew family.
Produced by Trinell Samuel, a sophomore at Vista PEAK Preparatory in Aurora, Colorado.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Jason Burchard.
Mentor support provided by Mary Jo Brooks and Rocky Mountain PBS.
Being the only girl on her school’s robotics team was intimidating at first, especially when most of the opposing teams were also all boys, but Dimple Dhawan has gone on to become team captain, president and lead designer.
Produced by Umajesty Allah, Keylan Behanan and TayJah White, students at Hughes STEM High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educators Melissa Sherman.
Mentor support provided by Jason Dennison and Tim Kraus of CET.
The aerospace program at South Mountain High School allows students to take flight classes. Despite being the only two girls in the class, Karen and Sienna are determined to one day earn their pilot’s licenses.
Produced by Amanda Salameh, a senior at South Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Heather Jancoski.
Mentor support provided by Arizona PBS.
Fraser High School student Shannon Stover refuses to let gender stereotypes prevent her from pursuing her passion for welding.
Produced by Isabella Crook, Keenan Penn and Austin White, students at Fraser High School in Fraser, Michigan.
Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educators James Flanagan.
Mentor support provided by Detroit Public Television.
