PLEASANTON, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie recently hosted two day-long field trips for 60 middle- and high-school girls in the Santa Clara County Unified School District’s GAINS (Girls Achieving In Non-traditional Subjects) program. The GAINS program encourages and inspires young women to explore science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and other non-traditional career options.

The girls visited the Simpson Strong-Tie home office in Pleasanton, Calif., where they had the opportunity to hear and ask questions of the company’s female leaders, including CEO Karen Colonias and Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Jacinta Pister.

The students toured the company’s connector lab and watched a bowling ball and other objects being flattened on the testing rigs to understand load testing. Many of them also participated in a hands-on activity installing Simpson Strong-Tie engineered connector products.

“The team at Simpson Strong-Tie provided our GAINS girls with a day of engagement, curiosity and information about how to be the most successful females they can be. Every girl left the company feeling empowered and excited for their futures,” said Cabrillo Middle School Education Specialist Kaycie Woldhuis, who served as chaperone. Many of the girls also commented that it was the best field trip they had as part of the program.

 For more information, visit www.strong-tie.com.