By Rasheda Kamaria
Girls can do anything. From sports and law enforcement to science and construction, women are making advances in fields once dominated by the fellas. But there is still work to be done. According to the U.S. government, women hold less than 25% of the nation’s jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Wayne State University in Detroit is reaching out to girls to increase their awareness and competence in related areas of study.
The College of Education’s GO-GIRL (Gaining Options-Girls Investigate Real Life) program, designed to promote interest in STEM related careers and to boost mathematics skills and confidence in seventh-grade girls, is accepting applications through Dec. 1, 2011, for the winter 2012 semester.
The 10-week Saturday program, hosted by the College of Education, will launch January 28 and culminate with graduation ceremonies April 28. GO-GIRL, which is held on Wayne State’s main campus, is free and open to a limited number of seventh-grade female students.
Elise Lowell, 18, is a GO-GIRL alumna and current honors program student at Wayne State. Lowell is studying biology and hopes to pursue a career in research and academia.
“GO-GIRL was an excellent introduction into the science fields,” said Lowell, a Grosse Pointe South High School graduate. “It was a great way to meet peers interested in the same subjects and get acquainted with Wayne State’s campus. The experience was definitely beneficial; even waking up early on Saturday mornings was helpful to set a precedent of being a hard working student.”
Parents and students interested in the program should visit http://www.gogirls.wayne.edu/ and download the application forms.
STEM related sites and resources for girls and women across the country:
National Girls Collaborative Project: http://www.ngcproject.org/
Girls In Tech: http://www.girlsintech.net/
Girls Go Tech (Girls Scouts): http://www.girlsgotech.org/default.asp
Zoey’s Room: http://www.zoeysroom.com/