9450026 Cid This project, United Connecticut for Women in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, is directed toward making permanent changes in women's and girls' access to, and participation and achievement in science, engineering and mathematics (SEM), especially among economically disadvantaged and under-represented minority populations. It will develop and implement systemic change strategies reaching parents, teachers and professors, guidance counselors and other school and college administrators, school board members, community leaders, and students (K-18), building on existing resource and advocacy efforts by professional organizations, stakeholder groups, state and local education agencies, and institutions of higher education. The project has four components: (1) a Clearinghouse for statewide resource building, research, symposia and conferences, and dissemination of project products; (2) a public awareness component infusing Women in SEM issues in the state's Statewide Systemic Initiative public awareness campaign and also creating local "equity partnerships"; (3) a "self- esteem building" component offering three different approaches to supporting girls and women in SEM at the elementary, secondary, and college levels; and (4) a pre-service and in-service component developing new curricula addressing Women in SEM issues for future and practicing teachers, respectively. ***
