SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
RENO, Nev. – Studies show that women represent 46 percent of the total workforce in America, but only 25 percent of the technology and science workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also reported that girls begin to lose confidence and interest in science and math during middle school. To help expose and ignite a passion in northern Nevadan girls of all ages to the wonders and excitement of the science, engineering, technology and math fields, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada is hosting Explore the Universe on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011.
More than 400 girls, from kindergarten through 12th grade and their families will be attending this truly hands-on event at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attendees will be able to participate in more than 15 fun, interactive and educational activities. The Challenger Learning Center of Northern Nevada will bring its Spaceship Earth Digital Dome that will present shows on exploration of earth and space science as well as the solar system. In addition, the University of Nevada, Reno’s science and engineering departments will be at the event with three interactive booths, Western Nevada College will be setting up a hands-on computer technology lab and local amateur astronomers will be brining numerous types of telescopes to teach their different uses.
“It is projected that jobs that require computer, science and math skills will grow more than 20 percent in the next decade,” says Paula Cady, program specialist for Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. “Because men currently hold the majority of careers in these arenas, we hope to inspire and encourage young girls in our community to realize that these amazing fields are not beyond their reach and help give them the foundation they need to begin to set higher educational and career goals in these areas.”
The curriculum for the Explore the Universe program was made possible by a NASA grant awarded to Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada in the summer of 2010. The grant, awarded to only 10 Girl Scout councils across the nation, provided training on the curriculum used in this event to Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada at the Goddard Space Fight Center in Washington, D.C.
Exploring the Universe is a part of the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada’s S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering and math) program that’s main goal is to help expose girls of all ages to these fields and build a strong, hands-on foundation for them to become future female leaders and to promote consideration of careers in these disciplines.
Girls of all ages and their families who are interested are invited to attend this fun and educational event. Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information on Explore the Universe or the S.T.E.M program, please contact Paula Cady, program specialist at 775.322.0642 x 272.
