What Encourages Girls to Pursue STEM Careers?

How to get girls interested in STEM subjects has been debated for some time. Now, it seems that after school activities are turning more girls on to the advantages of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "Out of School Time Drawing Girls into STEM” (Education Week, 01/05/12) discusses the success of Techbridge, an afterschool program for girls that offers challenges in the STEM subjects through innovative teaching. Linda Kekelis, Executive Director of Techbridge, says that girls often don’t have the experiences boys do that create interest in the STEM subjects. “Techbridge is providing the expectations and the experiences to level the playing field for girls, particularly in STEM.”  The question remains, “Why can’t such programs be integrated into regular school studies?