Sounds of Progress Part I: Testing the Waters - The Young Women's Summer Institute Research Project

By Sandra Sleight-Brennan

Columbus, OH – Recent research offers a strong indication of the types of interventions that benefit girls' choices of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics...STEM careers. Although exposure to science throughout the K thru 12 curriculum is crucial, the middle school years appear to be the most pivotal time for girls.

Findings were used to design the Young Women's Summer Institute for middle school girls at Ohio State. Survey results indicate over 90% of the girls feel more confident about using technology. And 87% of their parents feel their daughters have greater self-assurance in science and math classes.

Sandra Sleight-Brennan reports from Columbus, Ohio.