Annual Conference

The Florida Girls Collaborative Project Annual Conference was held October 10, 2008, at the University of Central Florida.

Participants learned about the National Girls Collaborative Project and networked to share resources and collaborate. Workshops were held on how to find funding sources, evaluate individual programs and successfully market STEM programs to girls and their parents.

Conference Agenda

8:00 – 9:00 AM	Registration Continental Breakfast Expo Area Viewing
9:00 - 9:30 AM	Keynote Speaker Terri Walker-Spoonhour SAIC, Vice President Operations Manager for Analysis, Simulations, Systems Engineering & Training Business Unit
9:30 – 9:50 AM	Opening Remarks Introduction of Florida Girls Collaborative Project
9:50-10:00 AM	Speed Networking
10:00-10:40 AM	Panel: “Why is female involvement in STEM important to Florida’s future?”
10:40-11:10 AM	Collaborations and Partnerships (Interactive)
11:10 AM-12:00 PM	Lunch Expo Area Viewing
12:00-12:45 PM	Breakout Sessions Demystifying STEM Galactic Girls Incorporating Evaluation into your Program Engaging girls using the Mass Media Approach Build a successful STEM Program
12:50-1:35 PM	Breakout Sessions
1:40 – 2:25 PM	Breakout Sessions
2:30– 3:00 PM	Program Directory Mini-grant Funding Conference Evaluation

Conference Presentations

• Introduction of NGCP and Need in FL
  Amy Foster
  Project Director
  Florida Girls Collaborative Project
  
  What is the NGCP, what are its goals, and how does it match the need in Florida to get more girls involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers?
• Building a Successful STEM Program
  Suzi Harris
  Program Marketing Manager
  Girl Scouts of Citrus Council
  
  Learn about the journey of one organization as it has built a successful STEM outreach program from the ground up. With over 100 active volunteers, they must be doing something right! Discover how training, girl facilitators, and prepared program kits make delivering quality STEM programs foolproof.
• Collaboration & Partnerships
  Rebecca Amy
  Leadership Team Member
  Florida Girls Collaborative Project
  
  Learn about creating successful collaborative relationships, networking, coordination, and overcoming collaboration and partnership challenges.
  
• NGCP Program Directory and Mini-Grant Application
  Jennifer McDaniel
  AAUW Regional Liaison
  Florida Girls Collaborative Project
  
  Learn how to join the NGCP Program Directory and apply for a Mini-Grant.
• Prove Your Programs are Really Making a Difference
  Monika Martin
  Outcomes Research Manager and Grant Coordinator
  Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
  
  Evaluation doesn’t have to be scary!! During this workshop you will gain valuable insights on incorporating participatory evaluation into your programs. Key topics include: why qualitative and quantitative analysis is important, conducting focus groups, and creating surveys.
• Use of the Mass Media Approach to Engaging Girls in STEM
  Dr. Leslie Sue Lieberman, Ph.D.
  Director of Women’s Research Center
  University of Central Florida
  
  Learn about an exciting new approach to engaging girls in STEM! Did you know that over 400 million dollars is spent annually on messages to promote public understanding of engineering, with marginal impact? Learn about the E-Girl project, which will address the need for women in engineering by engaging girls in a weekly TV show similar to CSI.
• You Can Make a Difference: Planning Role Model Visits and Field Trips to Inspire Girls in Technology, Science, and Engineering
  Techbridge
  Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
  
  Did you know role models can be instrumental in influencing girls’ career choices in STEM? In this workshop, you will learn how to work with role models and corporate partners to host engaging visits and field trips. We will share our recipe for success—make it personal, passionate, and interactive—and give you resources to make every role model encounter impactful.