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Starting with Girls, Summit Aims to Close Gender Gap in Math and Science
Starting with Girls, Summit Aims to Close Gender Gap in Math and Science
Girls Incorporated to overhaul math and science program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2001
New York, NY, September 2001 -"Women and girls aren't cut out for science and math," is a myth that Girls Incorporated, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, is working to put to rest.
On October 26th and 27th (originally scheduled for Sept. 14th and 15th) educators, researchers and other experts will convene at the Athenaeum in Indianapolis, Indiana to streamline the Girls Inc. Operation SMART program, an age-appropriate curriculum that builds girls' skills in math, science, and technology.
"With the rapid advances being made in science and technology we see the growing importance of having women in the nation's research labs, universities, and technology companies" said Joyce M. Roch'. "Women's contributions are still critically lacking in the areas of math, science, engineering, and technology. And change begins with our girls."
A recent study by the National Council for the Research on Women found that 45 percent of the nation's work force is female, but women hold only 12 percent of jobs in science and engineering. In 1999, 56 percent of Advanced Placement test takers were female, but 90 percent of computer science test takers and 78 percent of physics test takers were male.
In hopes of closing the gender gap in math and science, the two-day symposium will delve into the issues that affect girls' attitudes about the subjects. Experts will also discuss best practices for teaching girls and how to update and infuse the Operation SMART curriculum with modern activities and topics that will stimulate and hold girls' interest.
"We are really working to put an end to the myth that the fields of math, science, and technology are tough, unattainable career options for girls," said Joe Martinez, Director of the Girls Inc. SMART Girls Initiative. "We want to help girls realize that these professions are choices for them."
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