Education Connection Offers Summer Program For Young Women

By Larissa Lytwyn

Education Connection, a nonprofit regional educational service organization, is conducting a special math and science program for all female students entering grades seven through nine to be held at Newtown High School this summer.

 “Exploring Career Options for Women” is an interdistrict initiative designed to challenge middle school females to enroll in high-level math, science, and technology courses while exploring careers in those areas.

“We understand the need for this program, based on the American Association of University Women (AAUW) report, ‘How Schools Shortchange Girls,’” noted program coordinator Neil Cummings.

“The report described a drop in both girls’ math confidence and achievement in the middle school years. The gender gap in science may in fact be increasing.”

Additionally, the report states that even girls who are highly competent in math and science are less likely to pursue scientific or technological careers than their male peers.

“Our program brings in a lot of women who are in those careers to inspire students to consider pursuing the same path,” said Mr Cummings.

Featured among the program’s special guests is Dr Elaine Pagliario, director of Connecticut Crime Lab.

The female students will do a lot of hands-on activities, said Mr Cummings, including experiments involving paper chromatography, finger printing, and blood type identification.

Students will also bind and write in their own journals, tracking their progress in the program.

In addition, Mr Cummings added, the program will draw from students not only in Newtown, but also in Brookfield, Easton, New Fairfield, Redding, New Milford, Bethel, Danbury, and Waterbury.

“There will be a diverse population of students,” noted Mr Cummings.

The weeklong program is from 9 am to 1 pm on June 14, 25, 28, 29 and 30. Registration is free, with an optional $8 fee for snacks and beverage.

Registration is now open.

For more information, or to enroll, contact Education Connection at 860-489-8448.