For the first time, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board of education passed a resolution on Tuesday designating October as Girls Empowerment Month.

Girls Empowerment Month introduces girls in public schools across Los Angeles County to different career opportunities, especially those in schools focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In 2015, women held 25 percent of all STEM occupations; Latina and Black women held 1 percent and 3 percent of these jobs, respectively. Early exposure to STEM content, and building skills like critical analysis and project management, are critical to LAUSD in closing the gender gap in STEM fields and the economy at large.

“Mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and caregivers across Los Angeles hear what students want to be when they grow up. Many of those dreams require a STEM education,” said board member Mónica García. “We are committed partners for student success on the path to the graduation finish line because we know that every girl can be successful.”

As part of Girls Empowerment Month, businesses and firms in the fields of technology, entertainment and government will host hundreds of young women for field trips, office tours and panel conversations. The trips help highlight the different paths that women can take to professional success and introduce them to opportunities they might never otherwise learn about.

“We support the celebration of Girls Empowerment Month in recognition of the female students attending LAUSD schools,” said board member Dr. George McKenna. “The creation of programs like Girls Build LA will provide valuable opportunities for girls in Los Angeles to reach their full potential.”

LAUSD is the second largest school district in the country.