NGCP_E-Newsletter_Header_September 2013
September 2013

 

 Building the Capacity of STEM Practitioners to Develop a Diverse Workforce
     

In This Issue

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NGCPUpdatesNGCP Updates
NGCP Webinar: Increasing Equity and Diversity in the STEM Workforce: Issue and Strategies
Thursday, September 26, 2013; 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Pacific/2:00 PM-3:00 PM Eastern
In this webinar, participants will gain a better understanding of the issues that impede efforts to diversify the STEM workforce and learn strategies that promote equity, fairness, and diversity. Dr. Kimberly Tanner, Director of the Science Education Partnership and Assessment Laboratory (SEPAL), will present findings from research on why talented individuals leave the biological sciences, as well as examples of successful efforts and problematic attempts towards diversifying the biological sciences. Kimberly Bryant, Founder of BlackGirlsCode, will present information on the racial and socioeconomic digital divide and resources for computer science programs.
  

NGCP Blog

The NGCP Blog features timely posts about topics relevant to encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. Recent entries highlight STEM summer camps for girls -- a useful resource for educators seeking programming ideas and inspiration. To submit an idea, contact Amy Hirotaka

 

Upcoming Survey to Programs Participating in NGCP

We want to hear from you!  Evaluation & Research Associates is working with the National Girls Collaborative Project  leadership to investigate the reach and impact of the project. All contacts from the NGCP Program Directory and registrants to NGCP events and webinars will be asked to respond to an online survey opening on Monday, September 9. Questions will ask about NGCP resources, events, and collaboration. You will receive the survey link via e-mail and it will remain open for responses until September 27. We encourage everybody to respond, regardless of your level of involvement in the project. Thank you in advance for your participation! For questions, please contact Carrie Liston. 

CollaborativeNews Collaborative Network Activities

New York State Girls Collaborative Project Information Meeting

Schenectady, NY

September 20, 2013; 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Program managers, guidance counselors, business partners, technical professionals, teachers, and representatives from professional organizations and higher education are invited to an informational meeting announcing the New York Girls Collaborative Project. This initiative will provide mini-grants, professional development, and free resources to help increase the participation of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Join us to learn more about the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) model, how this initiative can help your program, and to network to identify collaboration opportunities. 

https://www.ngcproject.org/new-york-state-girls-collaborative-project-information-meeting

  

Girls Raised In Tennessee Science (GRITS) Collaborative Project: Girls Rock STEM

Murfreesboro, TN

September 21, 2013; 8:00 AM-3:00 PM Central

Parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and other adults who support girls in STEM are invited to attend the GRITS Collaborative Project Forum: Girls Rock STEM, at the MTSU Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) event. Attendees will learn about STEM majors and careers, the admissions and financial aid process at MTSU, STEM opportunities and activities for girls, and the latest technology used in STEM classrooms.

http://www.ngcproject.org/girls-raised-tennessee-science-grits-collaborative-project-girls-rock-stem

  

Engaging Youth with Disabilities in STEM Activities

Columbia, MO

October 22, 2013; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Attendees will learn about inclusive education and strategies for engaging youth with disabilities in afterschool and informal science activities from Gina Ceylan. The event will also explore the National Girls Collaborative Project model and efforts in Missouri.

https://extweb.missouri.edu/NewWebReg/NewIntro.aspx?tp=2&u=467&p=122924&d=b3kFO+7u+oVrQs/3WOe2fA

 

SciGirls Educator Development at La Science Teachers Association (LSTA) state conference

Baton Rouge, LA

October 31, 2013; 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

At this full-day professional development opportunity, discover how to engage young women (ages 8-13) through inquiry-based STEM instruction with a commitment to gender equity. Participants will learn the latest research for exciting and engaging girls (and boys) in STEM; experience hands-on STEM activities; and gain access to free materials for hands-on, video-enhanced activities that put a creative twist on teaching STEM.

https://www.ngcproject.org/scigirls-educator-development-lsta-la-science-teachers-association-state-conference

 

ChampionsChampions for Collaboration

NGCP Champions Board members are selected to give the NGCP a balance of desirable expertise and regional representation. We are highlighting Champions Board members to inspire and inform your work to engage girls in STEM. This month we feature Anita Krishnamurthi, Director of STEM Policy at the Afterschool Alliance.

What excites you most about your work?

Afterschool programs are embracing STEM education enthusiastically and being recognized as an integral part of not only the informal science education landscape but as important partners in the larger national efforts to improve STEM education. The Afterschool Alliance has taken a leadership role in helping to bring this about and I am delighted to be helping the afterschool field with their efforts. I feel very strongly that afterschool programs have a critically important role to play in engaging young people in STEM fields in a way that is different but complementary to school and it is absolutely wonderful to see that potential being realized.

 

What do you most appreciate in a collaborator?

At the Afterschool Alliance we are all about building partnerships and working across sectors, which is a reflection of how the afterschool field overall works. I most appreciate optimism and a lack of ego as well as honesty in collaborators. Optimism and being ego-free are important because I believe we are stronger when we leverage our efforts and resources and the best work gets done when we aren't too worried about who gets credit. Honesty is equally important because the best of plans go nowhere unless we can be forthright about what we can actually commit to doing together and what we know we won't have the capacity to do.

 

What advice would you give to the NGCP community?

Get to know the afterschool leaders in your community. Collaboration is as vital to the afterschool community as it is to the NGCP community. Afterschool programs are trying to address many of the same equity issues you are and have access to young people in under-served communities. So reach out and explore the possibilities!  

FabFemSpotlightFabFems Spotlight

The FabFems Spotlight highlights women from the FabFems Role Model Directory. FabFems are enthusiastic about the science and technology work they do and want to inspire a future generation of FabFems.

 

Meet Laura Lewin; she is a Ph.D. organic chemist with twenty-nine years of industry experience. She has always liked math and science but was never encouraged to pursue careers in those areas until she was a junior in college. Today, she works as a private consultant in Fort Collins. Read More...

 FabFems Logo 

Looking for a FabFem like Laura to connect with in your area?

Search www.fabfems.org.

UpComingSTEMeventsUpcoming STEM Events

Exploring Careers in Wildlife Conservation at the National Zoo

Washington, DC

September 17, 2013; 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

The Friends of the National Zoo and the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park are hosting an afterschool discussion with Zoo professionals for students in grades 6-12 and their parents. Panelists will discuss the challenges and rewards of working in the field of wildlife conservation and science. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask the panelists questions during the event.

http://org.salsalabs.com/o/1483/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=7563

  
Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference Grace Hopper Celebration of Women Conference_Logo

Minneapolis, MN

October 2-5, 2013

This year's theme "Think Big. Drive Forward" will focus on trends in Medical Technology, Media & Entertainment, Software Engineering, Education Technology, and Mobile Experiences. The Grace Hopper Celebration is designed to bring the research and career interests of women in computing to the forefront. 

http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1243683

 

Careers in Renewable Energy LIVE

Online at http://www.jason.org/live/renewable-energy-careers

October 3, 2013; 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6:30 PM Eastern

This event aims to teach kids about the future of energy and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. The focus of the event is careers in renewable wind energy. During the event participants will have the opportunity to connect with STEM role models who are currently working in the wind energy industry.

 

National Careers Pathways Network (NCPN) Conference: Linking Education and Economic Prosperity

San Antonio, TX

October 13-15, 2013

The NCPN Conference provides an opportunity for secondary and post-secondary educators and members of industry to network and share best practices. Conference strands include: Impactful Instruction, Career Counseling and Coaching, Adult Career Pathways, Leadership and Operational Strategies, Pathways Transitions, Workforce and Economic Development Solutions, and Funding and Sustainability.

http://www.ncpn.info/registration.php

 

Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Conference 2013 ASTC Conference_Logo

Albuquerque, NM

October 19-22, 2013

The ASTC is an organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering public engagement with science among diverse audiences. At this year's conference attendees will have the opportunity to learn best practices and gain a better understanding of how to create engaging programming.

 

Society of Women in Engineering WE13

Baltimore, MD

October 24-26, 2013

WE13 offers collegiate and professional women in engineering career and professional development resources. Collegiate attendees will attend a career fair, network, and meet role models and mentors. Professionals attendees will attend professional development workshops and sessions, learn about cutting-edge innovations, and network.  

http://registration3.experientevent.com/showWEC131

 

STEMtech Conference

Atlanta, GA

October 27-30, 2013

The STEMtech conference aims to increase student access, success, and completion in STEM. Sessions emphasize improving STEM education, better aligning educational systems, addressing local workforce needs, and exploring technology's role in teaching and learning processes.

https://www.league.org/2013stemtech/SReg 

 

Save the Date: Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities National Conference

Northbrook, IL

November 7, 2013

The COSD National Conference will explore the "gray areas" associated with disability, employment diversity, and career employment challenges for college students seeking to enter the workforce.

http://www.cosdonline.org/Conference-Registration 

ResourcesResources

AAUW Tech Savvy AAUW_Logo

AAUW is expanding the Tech Savvy program to 10 sites across the United States in 2013-14. Tech Savvy is a day-long science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career conference designed to develop the interest of sixth to ninth grade girls in STEM fields and help adults support girls in their STEM interests. Applications to host a program in collaboration with your local AAUW branch are now open. Submission deadline: September 15, 2013.

http://www.aauw.org/resource/tech-savvy-application

 

Award for Aspirations in Computing

The National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women at the high school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Aspirations in Computing currently offers over 300K in scholarships for young women in computing and the next award application season is nearly here (September 15 - October 31, 2013). Promote the awards by requesting a free poster at: www.ncwit.org/aicposterrequest.

    

Become a SciGirls Partner SciGirls_Logo

SciGirls CONNECT is looking for organizations that are committed to gender-equitable STEM programming for girls ages 8-13 to join their list of Partners. SciGirls provides its Partners with a full day of training, support via monthly webinars, access to the SciGirls CONNECT online community, access to the inventory of SciGirls educational resources, a stipend for materials, and ongoing support from SciGirls staff and certified SciGirls Trainers. Submission deadline: September 9, 2013.

Apply: http://scigirlsconnect.org/page/rfp2013

 

Hispanic Heritage Month

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15, 2013 - October 15, 2013), here are some resources that serve to promote Latino(a) students in STEM:

 

Latinas in Computing (LIC)

LIC was established to define key strategies to promote leadership and professional development among current and next generations of Latinas in technology. Resources include links to Hispanic-serving organizations, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities.

http://latinasincomputing.org

 

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Foundation Teacher Program

This is a two-day program for middle and high school science and math teachers, who teach in Hispanic-serving schools. This in-service training provides teachers with the resources and strategies needed to successfully connect Hispanic students to science and mathematics curriculum through the application of culturally competent and innovative techniques. Hands-on workshops and supplementary educational materials are presented.

http://www.shpefoundation.org/educators

 

Informal Commons

The Informal Commons is a search engine with access to materials from a wide range of websites serving informal learning professionals. Searchable categories include project descriptions, evaluation reports, research & evaluation instruments, research products, reference materials, case studies and reviews, instructional materials, and social media & online communities. 

http://informalcommons.org

 

Maker VISTA Project

The Maker Education Initiative is partnering with the Corporation for National & Community Service to place 22 AmeriCorps VISTA members in 10 underserved areas nationwide. AmeriCorps VISTA members will work with community and school programs to engage young people in STEM activities, as well as, the arts and learning as a whole through maker programs. Applications for the AmeriCorps VISTA program are now open. Submission deadline: September 6, 2013.

http://makered.org/maker-vista-project

 

American Mathematical Society National Math Contest

The American Mathematical Society invites high school students to participate in its national contest, Who Wants to Be a Mathematician. The winning student will receive $5,000 and the math department of that student's school will also be awarded $5,000. The contest will take place Thursday, January 16, 2014 in Baltimore as part of the Joint Mathematics Meetings. First round of qualifying occurs September 14-27, 2013. Request the qualifying test for your students, or for more information, email the AMS Public Awareness Office at paoffice@ams.org with the subject line "National Math Contest."

 

Spirit of Innovation Challenge Spirit_of_Innovation_Challenge_Logo

The Spirit of Innovation Challenge provides an opportunity for student teams to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability. This competition is open to students ages 13-18, worldwide. Teams from afterschool programs and science clubs are encouraged to participate. Submission deadline: October 24, 2013.

http://www.conradawards.org

 

NGCP Program Directory - Search for Collaborating Programs or Register Your Program
The online Program Directory highlights organizations and programs that focus on motivating girls to pursue STEM careers. The purpose of the directory is to help organizations and individuals network, share resources, and collaborate on STEM-related projects for girls. When you sign up for the Program Directory, you will enter your program description, resources available within your organization, program and/or organizational needs, and contact information. 

 

NGCP has created a publication entitled Build Your Collaborative Network with the NGCP Program Directory which provides an overview of the Program Directory as an effective collaboration tool to maximize impact for your program and/or organization. 

Global Global Resources

Global 2013 STEMx Education Conference Global_STEMx_Education_Conference_Logo Online

September 19-21, 2013

 

The Global STEMx Education Conference is an online conference for educators focused on science, technology, engineering, math, and more. 

The conference is designed to be an inclusive and engaging event that encourages primary, secondary, and tertiary (K-16) students and educators around the world to share and learn about innovative approaches.

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To search past issues of the e-newsletter visit the archives at: http://www.ngcproject.org/newsletter

 

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