Action-WISE Program for Encouraging Women and Girls in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics---Muskingum Area Technical College, Muskingum College, Zanesville (Ohio) City School District, and the Wilds, an international wildlife research and conservation center, will collaborate in an intensive and comprehensive SEM intervention program for sixth through twelfth grade females. This four-partner project is an expansion of a pilot project begun two years ago in one of the district's middle schools. Project objectives include (1) expanding the numbers and grade levels of students involved from seventh and eight grade participants in one middle school to sixth through twelfth grade participants district-wide, (2) strengthening the curriculum and expanding the project calendar, and (3) developing a strong web of support for young women with an interest in science, engineering, and mathematics. Activities will encompass the school year and extend into separate, intensive summer camp sessions for each grade level. Key offerings of the project are monthly seminars and informal discussions with women in SEM-related professions, field trips involving hands-on learning activities, academic instruction in a variety of scientific disciplines, and a mentorship program with females in SEM- related professions. The project will serve approximately 280 female students annually. Each grade level component will be progressively more personalized. Because few of the district's students have had any exposure to college, every field activity will be tied to a college visit. Student participants will represent a diverse range of academic ability and economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. Summer components will focus on environmental science activities which will involve biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and math. Science, math, and computer laboratories at both colleges, regional field sites, and the diverse habitats found at the Wilds will provide exceptional sc ientific exploration opportunities. Female undergraduate science majors at both college will serve as laboratory assistants and mentors to middle school and high school participants. A graduate course will be presented annually to district teachers and administrative personnel to educate them about gender equity issues concerning women and girls in science. At a recognition ceremony each spring and at the end of each of the summer sessions, student participants will report on program activities, introduce video clips of field experience and seminars, and present individual and group projects. Expected project outcomes include removing artificial barriers that affect females entering SEM field, increasing the number of females continuing science education, and building a solid and sound program which can be replicated in other school districts.
