Girls Can Do It at Rosie the Riveter High School

by Roxann MtJoy · 2009-12-09 07:56:00 UTC
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In Long Beach, California, a high school named after a World War II icon is revolutionizing the education of teenage girls in the new millennium. Rosie the Riveter High School is the first of its kind: a trade school geared toward teaching young women the skills needed for traditionally male-dominated vocations. We're talking plumbing, electrical work, welding, carpentry, and more.

Lynn Shaw is the founder of the charter school and a former miner, steelworker and longshoreman. Oh, and she has a doctorate in electrical engineering. Tired of being the only woman on jobs, Dr. Shaw conceived the idea for the high school to get some company. That, and she did a little research: "Women in nontraditional jobs earn 20% to 40% more than women in what are considered 'traditional' women's jobs," Shaw says, "That's $1 million over a lifetime."

Rosie the Riveter High School opened its doors -- to both girls and boys, Rosie doesn't discriminate -- in 2007. Its student body of 50 can take advantage not only of the vocational training, but also of comprehensive academic offerings. Students graduate with a diploma, marketable skills, an Associates Degree, and/or college credits that are transferable to most 4-year schools. More than that, the young women there gain a sense of strength, empowerment, and confidence.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to share some good news.  With everything that we hear in the news (Stupak, Ask Amy victim blaming, and the global domestic violence epidemic, to name but a few), it can get at too easy to focus in on the negative stuff, to the complete exclusion of the positive. Rosie the Riveter High School is a refreshing reminder that good is happening in the world for women, and that one person can be a change-maker. Cheers to the girls who are embracing this opportunity to challenge traditional gender roles -- and cheers to their male classmates who think it's cool, desirable even, to be surrounded by such young women. Whatever their dreams may be, they can do it.

PHOTO CREDIT: J. Howard Miller


Roxann MtJoy is a freelance writer who previously worked as a case manager at a domestic violence shelter. She is currently attending graduate school for theater in Mount Vernon, N.Y.
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