Delta State University recently hosted the third annual Tech Savvy STEM Conference featuring programming for local sixth through ninth grade girls.Delta State University, in partnership with American Association of University Women (Cleveland, Mississippi branch) hosted another successful Tech Savvy STEM Conference on campus Feb. 27.
The third annual conference was a one-day event that taught sixth through ninth grade girls across Mississippi about careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This year, Delta State hosted 172 students and 23 parents.
Conference participants were given the opportunity to select up to three educational and hands-on workshops to attend. One workshop, “Pharmacist for a Day!,” provided training for the day-to-day activities of pharmacists. Another workshop, “Girl Code,” allowed students to code programs using technology. Adult workshops were available for parents to learn about financial preparedness and college readiness for students.
Tech Savvy began as a program under the Buffalo, New York AAUW branch. Thanks to the program’s success, more AAUW branches across the country began to adopt Tech Savvy as an annual program for girls in their states.
Local AAUW members, along with university e-affiliates, planned, coordinated and implemented conference programming. Partnerships were established with several Delta State departments and community organizations to conduct workshops. All of the workshops pertaining to STEM career fields and skills were presented by STEM practitioners and educators.
The 2016 conference coordinators were: Dr. Glendscene Williams, conference chair; Dr. Phyllis Bunn, fundraising coordinator; Lynn Byrd, curriculum coordinator; Joi Phillips, marketing and outreach coordinator; Wilnessa Foster, media coordinator; and Jeanna Wilkes, volunteer coordinator.
“This event teaches girls that it is possible for women to have leadership roles and successful careers in STEM fields,” said Williams.
“We’re so happy to offer this learning experience to middle school girls, and we hope all of them will consider pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Phillips.
Sponsors for the event included the American Association of University Women, Delta State University, Office of Academic Affairs, College of Business, Graduate and Continuing Studies, The Delta Regional Foundation, and The American Legion, Mississippi Post 1776.
For more information, visit http://cleveland-ms.aauw.net/.
