Discoveries Unlimited is hosting a STEM Mentor Open House on October 21, 2009. Individuals with a professional or academic background in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) are invited to come and learn about a meaningful way to encourage girls to pursue education and careers in STEM. At the Open House, Discoveries Unlimited staff and volunteers will be on hand to talk about: What is career/academic mentoring? What are the requirements to be a DU Mentor? What will I do as a DU Mentor? How much time will I spend mentoring? Why can both men and women be Mentors? And much more.
As Discoveries Unlimited Mentors, STEM professionals will play an integral role in fostering and maintaining students’ interest in these fields. Their real world expertise and experience will reinforce the desire in students to achieve beyond their potential in areas that may otherwise be overlooked. Discoveries Unlimited facilitates the mentoring process by pairing mentors with 6th grade female students from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools, while providing training, ongoing support, activities and other related resources.
A study from the National Council for Research on Women found that "Women constitute 45% of the workforce in the US, but hold just 12% of science and engineering jobs in business and industry." The workforce of the 21st century is in need of well-trained professionals in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Yet students often do not follow these career paths for a variety of reasons including lack of knowledge of the opportunities that lie within these fields. The future of our children and of the economy depends on education and advancement in STEM, which requires preparing students academically and professionally with the support of the parents, businesses, schools and the local community. Join Discoveries Unlimited as a STEM Mentor of Valparaiso’s middle school girls. Be a part of the solution to the significant under-representation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics education and careers!
The STEM Mentor Open House is sponsored by Valparaiso University and will be held at the Harre Union on campus (1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, IN) on October 21, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. For more information contact Cathie Dull at 219.508.5606 or Jeni McIntosh-Elkins at 219.765.3067 or visit www.discoveriesunlimited.org.