GLAMS

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Area sixth-grade girls have an opportunity to take part in the GLAMS: Girls Learning About Math and Science conference each spring at South Arkansas Community College.

GLAMS' hands-on workshops and breakout sessions in science, technology, engineering, and math fields are designed to provide participants with fun ways to learn practical information. The conference will be free to qualifying students, who will receive snacks and lunch, T-shirts, and other take-home items.

The intent of the program is to "introduce female students to successful area women working in math, science, and technology-related fields; and to provide these girls with real-life examples of achievement in such careers," according to project co-chair Alice Mahony, who is a member of the Arkansas ACT Council and Arkansas Scholars Board.

While women make up 46 percent of America's workforce, only 22 percent of scientists and engineers are female, Mahony said. The hope is that GLAMS will inspire sixth graders to carefully consider future courses and careers before high school as they become more familiar with science- and math-based professions.

Over 100 sixth-grade girls from six different schools attended the GLAMS conference this year at SouthArk, with more than 15 session speakers ranging from a veterinarian to an environmental engineer to a Dreamworks animator.

Written feedback received from the participants indicated that the project's aim did indeed find its mark. Among many other favorable reviews, students wrote:

  • logo back"I think GLAMS is so fun, and it really has showed me how empowering women can be."
  • "What I learned was to never give up."
  • "I like the inclusion that the program had."
  • "The challenge taught me to fail, and to try harder to succeed."
  • "I like that we were with different people. It made me less shy."
  • "I want to prove to guys at my school that I can do stuff just like they can!"

GLAMS is brought to you through a partnership with South Arkansas College, the El Dorado Education Foundation, the El Dorado School District, the Union County Community Foundation, and Entergy Arkansas.

For more information contact Christy Wilson at 870-864-8413, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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