Microsoft is once again working to eliminate the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, art, and math - STEAM - with the return of its annual DigiGirlz High Tech Camp. Set to begin Thursday, July 19, the ninth annual event is hosted by Microsoft Reno and will take place in the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. The free event is designed to encourage high school girls to learn more about career opportunities in STEAM.

Steam is a fast-growing movement that harbors many creative and intellectually-stimulating choices for professions. Even with ongoing efforts to lessen the gender gap in these fields, there continues to be a divide between the numbers of women who enter STEAM-related degree programs and professions versus men.

According to Microsoft Research (Closing the STEM Gap), 31 percent of girls believe that jobs requiring coding and programming are not for them. In high school, that percentage jumps up to 40 percent. By the time they are in college, 58 percent of young women count themselves out of these jobs.

By inspiring young women to get involved in STEAM subjects professionally and recreationally, Microsoft aims to help close this gap.

"The more young women realize that they can and should be included in this field, the more inclusive the industry will become," David Taylor, community relations manager for Microsoft Reno, said, "Any young woman looking for a way to utilize their intellect and creativity should attend this event. We hope to inspire them to look at future careers in the STEAM industry."

Over the course of two days, DigiGirlz will take part in workshops, activities, networking, and hear key speakers from the industry to showcase what futures in the STEAM industry are possible and available to them. By the end of the camp, DigiGirlz hopes to instill confidence in the young women so that they can continue to create and invent with the skills they learned during the camp.

Topics covered during the event will include robotics, coding, cybersecurity, and college preparation, as well as preparation for future opportunities and careers. The event is completely free for girls 14- to18-years old. Registration is open now until July 13. Event registration is first come first served , so those interested are encouraged to apply early. Register Here

For more information and updates, follow the Digigirlz's Facebook page.