Annual Conference

On Tuesday, October 28, the Connecticut Girls Collaborative Project held a Kick-Off Conference to introduce its STEM initiative to schools, organizations, businesses, and institutions across the state. Both formal and informal educators learned about mini-grant availability and its application process, how to use the extensive online program Directory on the National Girls Collaborative Project Web site, the value of evaluation to improve programming, and how to replicate promising practices for reaching girls.The conference also featured a panel discussion of women in various stages of STEM careers, speaking about what influenced them to choose STEM and how schools can encourage girls’ interest in those subjects. This initiative hopes to tap young girls at an early age who will ultimately be equipped to enhance Connecticut’s reputation as a high-tech leader in innovation and productivity.

Mini-grants will be awarded to those groups who collaborate with another business or organization to offer STEM programs for girls. Applications are currently being accepted; the application process closes December 8, 2008.

Conference Presentations

• Reaching and Retaining Girls - Promising Practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  Michele Dischino, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor, Technology and Engineering Education
  Central Connecticut State University
  
• The Mini-Grant Application Process
  Terri Clark
  Leadership Team
  Connecticut Girls Collaborative Project
  
• CT Girls Collaborative Project Kick-Off Conference
  Ellyn Savard
  Project Manager
  Connecticut Girls Collaborative Project