Conference encourages math and science careers for girls
Lauren Martinez
Issue date: 3/12/10 Section: News
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The AAUW has been conducting the math and science conference for 17 years and for the last five years the event has been hosted by Rio Hondo College.
This year, there were 575 girls at the event, and 25 middle schools came from the greater Whittier area. The girls in attendance were ones who have demonstrated a desire to go to college. Additionally, there were 31 teachers present as well as 30 AAUW member in attendance.
Each student was selected by a teacher or counselor to attend the event. Marian Locke, math and science conference chairperson, expressed that the organization is now allowing about 10 percent of girls at selected middle schools to attend.
The students attend three 55 minute workshops each with two professionals from different industries yet still in relation to math and science. In total the girls hear 6 speakers. This annual conference included a variety of professionals including a doctor, architect, criminalist, veterinarian, and many more.
According to Locke, all of the speakers invited to the conference are college graduates and many have master and doctorate degrees.
The method in which the girls are divided into the workshops explained Locke is by going through a process of having them select five workshops. The girls are given two of their top three choices, and the third workshop is either their fourth or fifth choice.
Locke said that she notices an ongoing trend of girls being interested in the field of scientific investigation, especially because of the hype of the many crime investigation television programs. She enjoys observing the excitement in the girls as they listen to the speakers intently.
"No matter which speaker, there are always positive comments as that person's career touched some students in the classroom. I enjoy reading the evaluations from the students, teachers, speakers, and AAUW moderators, it helps to make each conference better than the last," expressed Locke.
AAUW's mission statement is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. The organization strives to do all it can to achieve their goals of impacting the lives of women, as it encourages them to pursue their educational and career goals.
Locke understands that choosing classes in high school is a stepping stone for future advancement, she said "I am sure we make an impact on making girls realize that there are a variety of careers available if one prepares."
Locke hopes that by exposing girls to the many educational possibilities that are available to them, they will be able to make informed decisions with regard to their education and in turn be able to reach their lifelong ambitions.
The AAUW is organization worthy of recognition as they attempt to make a difference in the lives of young women so that they may reap the benefits of a quality education and as a result contribute greatly to our society.
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