Tech Savvy Event!
Another very successful Tech Savvy Program for girls in grades 6-9, was held at University Center Gaylord on Saturday April 18. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Gaylord Branch, the day-long event had over 150 girls, and 62 caring adults, who came from all over Michigan to experience hands-on workshops and training sessions to inspire girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The theme for the day was CONFIDENCE.
Workshops for girls included Marshmallow Fling; CSI: Mystery Powder; The M& M Squad; Diggin DNA; Rocket Your World; Movie Magic; and College/Career Savvy Corner. Afternoon sessions included a panel discussion with young women currently in STEM college programs or recent graduates now in STEM careers; and workshops entitled Communicating With Confidence, Online Etiquette in a Digital Age, and Money Matters.
Adults enjoyed speakers on topics such as STEM Career Benefits and Why So Few Females?; Strategies and Resources to Encourage Girls in STEM; Exploring College and Funding Options; and visits to College/Career Savvy Corner. After lunch activities for adults included speakers for panel discussion of women in STEM fields, and Enhancing Girl’s Confidence to Succeed in STEM.
Breakfast and lunch were generously provided by the Gaylord High School Culinary Arts Class.
The day ended with an interactive presentation by Guest Speaker Sarah Wyatt, PhD, Professor in Dept of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University. Dr. Wyatt showed film of her recently led experiments that were flown to the International Space Station, and the young participants eagerly raised their hands with confidence to ask questions.
AAUW-Gaylord is grateful for the grants and support that made this unique event possible from AAUW-National; University Center Gaylord; Kirtland Gaylord M-TEC; Gaylord High School; Black Diamond Broadcasting Group LLC; Blarney Stone Broadcasting; Dow Chemical; Eagle 101.5 FM; Industrial Arts Institute; Mary Kay Smith Sklarczyk Fund and Scott and Janice Lampert Fund of the Otsego County Community Foundation; Mayfair Plastics,;Michigan After-School Partnership; Tempest Enterprises; and Treetops Resort and Spa.
Groups that also donated prizes or resources included: Eastern Michigan University; Kirtland Gaylord M-TEC; North Central Michigan College; Animal Behavior Consultants of NOrthern Michigan; Consumers Energy; Gaylord High School Transition Class; Michigan Girls Collaborative Project; Tanger Outlets and Zound Industries.
To view pictures of the fun, educational Tech Savvy event, visit https://www.facebook.com/AAUW.Gaylord?ref=stream