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The Wyoming Women in Science (WIS) Conference is a day-long event designed for 7th-12th grade girls, focusing on STEM career exploration. Through hands-on workshops and sessions with female role models in various STEM fields, participants will gain insight into college pathways and career opportunities. Held at the University of Wyoming and Central Wyoming College, WIS aims to provide young women with exposure to STEM education and invigorate their interest in science. Engage, learn, and be inspired to pursue your passions in STEM!
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Wyoming Women in Science Michele Stark WSGC Associate Director
What is WIS? • Day-long conference for 7th-12th graders • STEM career exploration • Hands-on workshops • Female role models • Info about college • Experience a college campus
Why WIS? • Young women lose interest in STEM studies around middle school age • Very little exposure to STEM fields statewide • No science centers/museums, only three planetaria • Rural schools tend to lack in STEM curriculum • No high-tech industry in the state • Economy is: energy extraction, service, agriculture • 22% of state residents over age 25 have bachelor’s degree (lower than national average) • State is trying to change this and will need to start “home growing” students to fill needs
Where is WIS? • Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie (1999) • Mid-May • Central Wyoming [Comm.] College, Riverton (2004) • Early-Mid October Riverton Laramie
Who’s involved in WIS? • University of Wyoming • Central Wyoming College • National Weather Service • F.E. Warren AFB, ICBM & Heritage Museum • EPSCoR • U.S. Fish and Wildlife • State Veterinary Lab • Girl Scouts • UW Science Posse • School Districts • Local non-prof. organizations • Local companies • Etc…
What happens at WIS? • Visit a college campus • Meet college “recruiters” and find out about getting into college • Two hands-on workshop sessions • Meet women role models in STEM careers (including a keynote speaker)
WIS Workshops • 45-50 minute hands-on workshops • Designed to be “a day in the life of…” • Span the gamut of STEM fields.
Some Numbers… • 2008 Laramie: • 320+ students (95% female) • 25+ teachers (85% female) • 14 schools, from 10 communities • Keynote speaker: Ryan Prouty (ISS Missions Evaluation Room Lead, JSC) • 29 workshop sessions • The 5 most popular workshops: Got DNA?, Stargazing, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Psychology and Law, How does a Thunderstorm Develop?