Dist. 211 conference aims to interest girls in science careers
High school District 211 is hosting its first GEMS, Girls in Engineering, Math, & Science, Extravaganza to encourage girls to pursue careers in those fields Saturday, Feb. 12, at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates.
The conference is for fifth- and sixth-grade girls in Palatine Township Elementary School Districts 15, Schaumburg Township Elementary School District 54 and private schools within the District 211 attendance area, along with their parents.
The purpose of the conference is to educate girls about careers in these fields and introduce female role models from the industry and District 211's five high schools.
Girls attending the conference will participate in hands-on and interactive activities, as well as speaker sessions including women from the American Chemical Society, Stepan Chemistry, and Northwestern University.
There will be a separate program for parents with discussion on how to prepare their daughters for courses in high school, college and related careers, in addition to helping them understand the necessary skills needed to be successful in this industry. Parents also will have an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with a discussion panel.
The event will be from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 700 E. Cougar Trail.
Registration continues until Dec. 17, or until sessions are filled. Register online at d211.org/gems.shtml.