ST. GEORGE – With the goal of encouraging girls to get involved in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, Dixie State University will hold a day-long Tech Savvy conference March 19 geared toward 6th- to 9th-grade girls. Event organizers are inviting community individuals and organizations to be a part of the event as well.
According to the sponsor of the event, the St. George branch of the American Association of University Women, Dixie State University has been selected to host one of only 22 Tech Savvy pilot programs nationwide.
Tech Savvy Southern Utah is a day-long science, technology, engineering, and math — or STEM — career conference designed to get girls excited about careers in these fields and to help families learn how to help their daughters achieve their STEM education and career goals.
More than 100 girls and 30 parents attended the Tech Savvy Southern Utah conference in 2015.
Attendees can select from workshops such as Lego robotics, computer programming, microbiology, anatomy, astronomy and chemistry. Girls will participate in hands-on activities, attend workshops on STEM careers and topics and enhance other important skills such as public speaking, critical thinking and negotiation. There is also a drawing at the end of the day for science and technology prizes.
Over the course of the day, girls are empowered by their capabilities and encouraged to think about themselves not just as a young women but also as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists.
A separate group of workshops will be held to provide information to parents and guardians about paying for college, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process, helping girls get ready for college and more.
Tech Savvy has proven to have a lasting impact on girls and their communities by exposing girls to the possibilities afforded by pursuing STEM subjects and careers.
The event is set for March 19 at Dixie State University from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $10 per girl and $5 per parent or guardian and includes a light snack for breakfast, lunch, t-shirt and all the workshop materials. Need-based fee waivers are available.
How to help
Individuals and organizations can get involved the Tech Savvy Southern Utah event in the following ways:
- Female STEM professionals are invited to attend the event, set up a booth and let girls know that their involvement in STEM fields matters.
- Companies or individuals can contribute 150 small items such as stickers, pens, small gadgets, or other useful promotional items to a backpack that each girl will receive.
- Make a tax-deductible donation. See the link below.
- Sponsor lunch, snacks, prizes, or T-shirts to help support the local Tech Savvy event. Email Rusty Lee for more information.
Resources
- For more information about the Tech Savvy event, including a link to make a donation , visit the AAUW St. George Tech Savvy website.
- For information about fee waivers, contact Rachel Ramsey by phone or email.
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