Worcester Students to Learn about Careers for Women in Science

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Friday, March 22, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

This Saturday’s science class—with 150 middle school girls from various Worcester public schools in attendance—will be an exciting departure from the normal chemistry lessons. Held at Worcester’s EcoTarium on 222 Harrington Way, these seventh and eighth grade girls will be engaged in workshops and discussions at the 17th Annual Women in Science Conference.

Presented by the EcoTarium and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, this conference is designed to give these girls strong female role-models, an opportunity to explore different careers and inspiration to pursue their interests in the sciences.

In the morning, class will feature presentations and hands-on activities led by women who work in the fields of medicine, robotics, scientific research, technology, museum design, animal care and education. Through the discussions, the girls will meet with passionate and successful women in a variety of science careers. Following these interactive classes, the girls will travel to Intel in Hudson for lunch and a tour.

Selected by their teachers, this group of promising middle school girls is comprised of over 60% minority students. For some, this conference is a reward for their diligent work ethic; for others, it is another step to encourage their continued passions for the sciences. This conference also provides an incentive for some of the participants to continue on with their education.

Presenters for this year's conference include women from the EcoTarium, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, UMass Worcester Graduate School of Nursing, Lunenburg Robotics, as well as STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) educators.

Women in Science is a grant-funded science program for inner-city middle school girls organized by the EcoTarium, New England's leading science and nature center, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This year's conference is funded, in part, though the generosity of Women's Initiative of the United Way of Central MA, Central Mass STEM Network, Intel, and Gear Up. 

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