Wayne State's GO-GIRL STEM Education Program Taking Applications
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Wayne State University's GO-GIRL (Gaining Options-Girls Investigate Real Life) program, designed to help girls build confidence, capacity and career awareness in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines, is now accepting applications for the winter 2014 semester.
The 10-week Saturday program, hosted by Wayne State's College of Education, kicks off Jan. 18, and culminates with graduation ceremonies on April 12. GO-GIRL is free and open to a limited number of seventh-grade females.
The winter program integrates mathematics and social science research into a gender-specific, technology-rich environment supported by university student mentors. Girls interested in participating can submit an application online at www.gogirls.wayne.edu. The application deadline is Dec. 7.
Since its inception in 2002, GO-GIRL has grown from a one-time intervention to a community that supports girls and their parents throughout high school and beyond. Girls who complete the winter program are eligible to participate in additional activities, including residential summer academies, hands-on STEM workshops during the academic year and GO-GIRL Gatherings.
Sally K. Roberts, assistant professor in Wayne State University's College of Education and the program's faculty advisor, said seventh grade is a pivotal time for girls in their experiences with math and science.
"Students in seventh grade are often faced with the decision to elect a more rigorous mathematics and science track," Roberts said. "We want our girls to select a mathematics track that opens doors to their future."
GO-GIRL has received contributions in the past from the Michigan Department of Education, RGK Foundation, Wayne State University College of Education and private contributors, and is reaching out to the community for support to sustain and expand the program at Wayne State University. GO-GIRL is dedicated to offering the program at no cost to participants in order to widely recruit potentially talented girls.
For more information about GO-GIRL, contact Sally Roberts at gogirl@wayne.edu.
