While women fill close to half of all the jobs in the U.S economy, they hold only 28 percent of jobs in STEM fields.

The American Heart Association is trying to change that statistic and today held an event to inspire the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering and math.

It's called STEM Goes Red and the program in Portage County gave 7th and 8th grade girls from around the Mahoning Valley an up-close look at rewarding careers in STEM.

"We know that the earlier you introduce girls to STEM, the more chances they will have to be in the STEM field," Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, Executive Director of Northeast Ohio American Heart Association said. "And I feel that they need to see themselves represented in the STEM field. That's why we have a variety of STEM experts representing various sectors of STEM."

The four hour program was packed with interactive activities including virtual reality experiences and hands on chemistry experiements.

"We take petroleum jelly or vaseline, and you pick out a flavoring, and we're making our own chapstick, so you stir it up, it's like being a chemist or a chemical engineer," Mandolyn Newell with Ohio Natural Energy Institute said. "So, students are loving especially this time of year the chap lips or lotion, it has all great sorts of uses. We have more than 75 different career opportunities."

The girls also got to hear from Miss Ohio 2024, Stephanie Finoti, who brings a unique perspective as both a pageant queen and scientist.

"I came here to talk to the girls about how you could do both," Finoti said. "You could wear a crown and sash, but also be an intelligent scientist and emerging leader in medicine."

Students like Emma Boyle from Southern Local Schools certainly came away inspired.

"I really got the fact that women can do anything, as long as they push themselves, they can do anything," Boyle said. Anything is possible."

By equipping and empowering young women to pursue STEM careers, leaders say it ensures that women are represented in critical sectors that impact health and well-being.