Girls Incorporate of Metropolitan Dallas requests a 3-year grant beginning in 1996 for Camp SMART (Science, Math and Relevant Technology). The camp is a collaborative project between Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, a nonprofit agency serving adolescent girls, and the Hockaday School, a private girls' school. Camp SMART is a math and science study program for minority girls entering grades seven through nine. Objectives includes: o To capture and increase participants' interest in mathematics, the sciences and the technological applications of both; o To increase participants' awareness of career opportunities in scientific, mathematical technological fields; o To provide participants with minority women role models, thus helping them see themselves as scientists and mathematicians; o To improve participants' academic performance through exposure to positive role models, specific instruction in study and problem solving skills, and provision of support through the academic year; o To enroll 45 minority participants annually. Methods to be employed include a 4-week summer program and activities throughout the academic year. The summer program consists of: 1) four 45-minute classes each morning in mathematics, science, computers, and study and literacy skills; and 2) an afternoon seminar on career exploration, which includes field trips and presentations by professionals working in science and math careers. During the academic year, Camp SMART participants will meet periodically for activities such as presentations by math and science professionals and visits to local colleges. Numerous opportunities will be available throughout the course of the project for participants to discuss their attitudes toward math and science and changes in those attitudes resulting from participation in Camp SMART. Camp SMART contributes to the advancement of knowledge and education by providing opportunities for i ntensive study of math and science in unique environment. The project opens opportunities for minority girls to excel by providing them with hands-on experiences with math and science as well as interactions with people working in those fields. ***
