Science Not Just For Boys As MSI Mentors Tomorrow's Achievers
(CBS) – For eight hours every Saturday at the Museum of Science and Industry, high school seniors Alexis Peters and Gillian Elmore get up close and personal with all things science.
"Coming here, people taught me that I can do science. I can be a doctor or a biologist or a physicist," Alexis says.
"I really want to be an animator," Gillian says.
The two girls are part of MSI's Science Achievers Program. They are just part of the 200 students taking classes at the museum and then teaching museum-goers what they've learned.
The program has been at the museum for 10 years. Over that period, two-thirds of the participants have been female.
Dr. Olivia Castillini is the brains behind the multi-million dollar weather exhibit at MSI and says keeping young girls in science is imperative.
"I am proud to be a strong mentor for young women coming through because they need an example and leadership," she says.
For these super girls, it's all about staying positive.
"Just find a way to do it, keep trying at it," Gillian says.
Both girls are narrowing down where they will go to college.