Sally Ride was part of a rising wave of women in science and engineering . Ride 's efforts focused on middle-school students , typically the point at which students are given a choice of elective courses . She spent her post - space career trying to get kids interested in the subjects . Ride , the first American woman in space , died suddenly at 43 . ` ` Sally changed the world , '' ' Cady Stanton says .
Sally Ride was part of a rising wave of women in science and engineering . She spent her post - space career trying to get kids interested in the subjects . Ride , the first American woman in space , died suddenly at 43 . ` ` Sally changed the world , '' ' Cady Stanton says .