BOCES mentorship program connects young women with STEM careers

BOCES in Warren and Washington County is connecting young women with mentors to help encourage them to pursue STEM careers.

Rebekah Kelly is a senior at Saratoga Springs High School who spends part of her week on the BOCES campus in Wilton.

She was drawn to the program for its hands-on approach and took to welding during a campus tour.

Kelly says it’s a challenge being the only girl and dealing with teasing from the boys.

"My teacher has been great about it, and he has cracked down on the guys because they do get out of hand," said Rebeka.

"One of the things we are trying to overcome is that women are just as skilled and capable in these trades areas as men are," said Asst. Superintendent Nancy DeStefano.

Rebeka says she plans to enter the workforce after high school for at least a year and then go to college.