Discoveries Unlimited Hosting ‘Be A STEM Mentor” Night

discoveriesunlimitedlogoIndividuals with a career 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. Discoveries Unlimited is hosting “Be a STEM Mentor” Night on June 29, 2011 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Porter County United Way (951 Eastport Center Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana). Discoveries Unlimited staff and volunteers will be on hand to talk about: What is career/academic mentoring? What are the requirements to be a STEM Mentor? What will I do as a STEM Mentor? How much time will I spend mentoring? Why can both men and women be Mentors? And much more.

A recent NSF study found that men outnumber women almost 3 to 1 in all sectors of employment in Science and Engineering. As STEM Mentors, STEM professionals play an integral role in helping to bridge that gap. STEM Mentors are paired with middle school girls in one-on-one mentoring relationships designed to deepen the student’s awareness, understanding and connection to a particular STEM field. Participants engage in weekly e-mentoring sessions on topics such as STEM career/education exploration, good work habits, and goal-setting. An equally important component to the STEM Mentor program is the teams’ participation in monthly interactive events. The events offer opportunities for face-to-face interaction and bonding as well as exposure to new experiences and knowledge.

The workforce of the 21st century is in need of well-trained professionals in the STEM fields. 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. According to The Athena Factor (Hewitt, et al), lack of role models/mentors is identified as a key barrier to women’s participation in technology. 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 middle school girls. Be a part of the solution to the significant underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics education and careers!

Discoveries Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring middle school girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The STEM Mentor program pairs middle schools girls with STEM industry professional in one-on-one mentor teams with the goal of encouraging and supporting our girls' interests in STEM education and careers, fostering lifelong STEM learners.

“Be a STEM Mentor” Night is sponsored by Frontier Communications.

For more information contact Cathie Dull at 219.508.5606 or visit www.discoveriesunlimited.org.