How do we support and sustain girls’ interest in science and technology?
I have to agree with the theory that the reason so many girls get out of enjoying science and technology is the lack of role models — the lack of women who have thrived in those fields so young women can say, “Wow. She did it. I can do it, too.”
I work at a health science center in
The concept of the program is simple, really — send minority students and scientists into public school classrooms to not only show the students how fun and exciting science can be, but also show them that someone who looks like them, has the same background as them, etc., who has been successful in that field.
The outreach programs here include programs which bring minority undergrad students to our graduate facility over the summer to take classes, attend lectures and work in our labs — again with the same goal as mentioned above, but also in an effort to facilitate their transition from undergrad science degrees to graduate school. Many of the students who go through these programs and return here for graduate studies volunteer to participate as a grad student and mentor public school and undergrad students.
I think the same program could be tailored for girls and young women — take women who are excited by science and technology and have succeeded in the fields and have them serve as role models and mentors to young women who are interested in science.