9353784 Kebbekus The twelve months New Jersey Institute of Technology Introduction to FEMME Program will is designed to offer post fourth and fifth grade high-potential girls from Newark, Irvington and East Orange school districts an opportunity which will improve their science and mathematics achievement, promote healthy self-esteem and self confidence, and inspire feelings of competency while challenging fear of failure. The non-residential program will introduce students to science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM) careers, while encouraging them to attain their academic potential through hands-on SEM activities. Monthly spring semester workshops, a four week summer camp component, and a follow-up fall workshop will be held to provide participants with positive learning experiences, exposure to appropriate role models, and activities inspiring teamwork and cooperation. Instruction will be provided in science, math and engineering, and oral and written communication skills, as well as field trips to the Pocono Environmental Education Center in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, the Marine Science Consortium in sandy Hook, New Jersey, the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. In addition, students will receive academic and career counseling and will be exposed to formal and informal interaction with female professionals, faculty and students already engaged in SEM careers. Participants will be involved in daily structured athletic events to encourage teamwork and cooperative efforts. Study groups will be formed to investigate scientific, math and engineering concepts to teach and promote cooperative learning habits. Elementary and secondary teachers will form teams to work with the students, under the leadership of NJIT faculty. The partners in this project are the Newark, Irvington, and East Orange school districts, the New Jersey Marine Science Consortium, and the Liberty Science Center. Additionally, all participa nts will be provided information and applications for existing precollege enrichment programs in SEM during summers following students' initial participation. The activities will promote students' skills and motivate them toward attainment of academic skills necessary for college preparatory courses in middle and high school, thus giving them the option to continue with post-secondary education. ***
