Young adults expand their horizons in upcoming conference
More than 300 middle school-age girls will learn fun aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) when Sacramento State hosts an Expanding Your Horizons conference, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6 at various locations on campus.
The conference, sponsored by Sacramento State’s Center for STEM Excellence and The Women of AT&T, is designed to encourage sixth- to eighth-grade girls to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The conference includes hands-on workshops, discussions and interaction with school and industry leaders.
“A study by the American Association of University Women found that the critical years where girls lose interest in math and science are the seventh to 10th grade,” says Sheila Macias, administrative director of Sacramento State’s Community Engagement Center. “Middle school girls often don’t realize they can go into those fields, so this is a prime time to catch them.”
There will be 32 workshops with titles like “Blood, Guts and Germs – Adventures in a Clinical Lab,” “Alice in Computerland,” “The Secret World of Carnivorous Plants,” and “Nature’s Pharmacy.”
Although the focus of the conference is to provide hands-on learning experiences for girls, special sessions for accompanying adults will provide information on STEM education and career opportunities.
