De Queen Mena ESC, creator of the increasingly popular Girl Power event, is a student production contest created to generate interest in females' non-traditional careers in the manufacturing and construction career pathways. Stacey Southerland, the DMESC CTE Coordinator, is the driving force behind this incredible opportunity for female students. Now in its fourth year, this initiative has exploded into a state competition involving ten educational cooperatives across Arkansas. De Queen-Mena, South Central, Southwest, Dawson, Southeast, Guy Fenter, Crowley’s Ridge, Arch Ford, Arkansas River, and Wilbur D Mills will all host a local competition for their female students this year. The winners will advance to the state competition scheduled for February 26, 2025, at the Saline County Career & Technical Center in Benton. This state initiative centers on purchasing CNC equipment in schools that lack this technology for student use through an Innovation grant funded by the Arkansas Department of Career Education. Girls participate in the following categories: Metal CNC, Wood CNC, Laser Cutting, and Combination/Multi-Tool. Another added benefit to this contest is the partnerships formed between educators and business and industry. Area supporters assist in providing funds for contest supplies and materials for projects. Post Secondary partners play a part in providing scholarships to deserving winners. All of these partners working together build essential skills and encourage training for STEM and manufacturing related careers. If any businesses are interested in partnering with DMESC for this event, please contact Stacey Southerland at stacey.southerland@dmesc.org or 479-385-4319, ext. 225. DMESC will kick-off this year's competition on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in the DMESC Conference Center.
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