April 20, 2004

Former astronaut Ride
pushes girls toward science

Space is for girls. And so is medicine, and engineering, and chemistry.

That’s the message Sacramento Region’s fifth- through eighth-graders will get from astronaut Sally Ride when California State University, Sacramento hosts the Sally Ride Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 16 in and around the University Union.

The event will feature an address by Ride, the first American woman to orbit the earth, at 12:45 p.m. along with dozens of workshops by female science professionals. Teachers and parents can attend an adult track of workshops on topics such as hands-on science.

There will also be a street fair featuring booths, exhibits, food, music and a drawing for prizes, and the TOYchallenge regional showcase, a toy- and game-design competition for middle-school students.

The event is presented by the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at CSUS and Imaginary Lines, an organization founded by Ride to support girls and young women who are, or might become, interested in science, math and technology. The cost for the festival is $18 in advance and $25 at the door and includes all festival events, lunch and materials. Scholarships are available. To register and for more information visit www.sallyridefestivals.com or call (800) 561-5161.

Media assistance is available by contacting the CSUS public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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