Sept. 23 Event Will Open Up Possibilities

Wed., Sept. 13, 2000

By Fern Christenson fernc@spokesman.com

Contrary to popular misconception, girls do have the capability to excel in math and science - and they are. Trouble is, somewhere along the road to college they lose interest in those subjects and choose careers in other fields.

These early education choices may severely - and unnecessarily - limit the girls’ career options and earning power once they enter the work force. Relatively few girls, for example, pursue computer and technology careers. What a loss to society, this huge, untapped pool of talent and fresh ideas!

It’s not that girls aren’t going to college. According to a 1991 U.S. Department of Education report, 55 percent of college students are female. If the trend has remained true, that figure is higher now.

Encouraging are the recent reports that the gender gap in math and science scores is narrowing. Still, on standardized tests, 17-year-old boys continue to perform slightly better in math and much better in science than their female counterparts. The girls outperform boys considerably in reading and writing.

The belief that the differences are biological - that male and female brains simply absorb knowledge differently - is being questioned. Is the difference really organic or are there larger factors?

Some researchers theorize that girls underplay their ability because math and science have long been considered male domains and it may not be considered “cool” for a girl to shine too brightly in these areas. Image, to girls of this age, is no small matter. Low self-confidence and the resulting fear of failure also could be factors.

Another theory is that girls cannot envision themselves in math or science careers so they opt out of advanced courses. Why bother to suffer through physics, they reason, when such information will never be used in the real world?

Girl Scouts is working to change that.

On Sept. 23, Girl Scouts will host a one-day career conference, Expanding Your Horizons, at Spokane Falls Community College, for girls in grades six through 12. Girls will meet and interact with women enjoying challenging careers in such fields as surgical medicine, web page design, architecture, engineering and wildlife biology. Small workshops will allow girls to ask questions, receive advice and encouragement. Mentoring relationships will be formed. The cost for this valuable experience is only $10. The impact it could have on your daughter’s life could be priceless.

There is still time to register. Call 747-8091, ext. 219. Do it today.

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