“How to Help Your Daughter Succeed in STEM” Is April 9 at Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado — (April 4, 2016) — Parents and teachers, according to multiyear research funded by the National Science Foundation, are a girl’s number #1 influence in her success and attitude toward science and math. Whether a girl’s goal is to pass algebra, navigate being the only girl in Advanced Placement physics, or be an aerospace engineer, what do parents and teachers specifically do that influences a girl’s success — or struggles — in STEM learning today?

While programs in STEM (science, tech, engineering and math) abound for young people in Northern Colorado, a new program designed by Pretty Brainy addresses what parents can do to help their daughters gain STEM competence and confidence. The event is Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Colorado State University in the Chemistry Building, room A101. A line-up of experts from Colorado will help parents gain insight on top actions to take, resources to which they can turn, and inspiration about what works for girls in STEM.

“How to Help Your Daughter Succeed in STEM” is free and open to all parents, grandparents and educators of girls at all age levels. Attendees are encouraged to register online at http://nocoeyh.wix.com/home, but also may register on site April 9. Registration opens at 8 a.m.

Program highlights include the following:

  • Insider perspectives from professionals in bioscience, engineering, sustainability, and STEM learning on what girls absolutely need to succeed in STEM studies and careers. Hint: it isn’t good grades. Speakers include Deanna Scott, executive director, NoCo Bioscience Cluster; Dr. Meena Balgopal and Dr. Laura Sample McMeeking, Colorado State University; and Dr. Annette Meredith, Western Area Power Authority.
  • Insight on how to choose a top STEM program for your daughter, delivered by Dr. Violeta Garcia, STEM initiatives consultant and author of the forthcoming book, A Resource Guide for Engaging Girls and Young Women in STEM. Garcia was the Colorado Department of Education STEM coordinator and consultant from 2012 to 2014.
  • Beginning and end-of-conference activities to help parents tap into deeply held perspective on girls in science and math.
  • Opportunities and resources to help parents and daughters maintain momentum after leaving the conference. Panelists include Biz Girls Executive Director Hope Hartmann, CSU Environmental Learning Center Representative Kristen Dean, Bioscience Career Academy Founder Susan Hunter, and Preston STEM Institutes Director John Howe.

“How to Help Your Daughter Succeed in STEM” is part of Expanding Your Horizons, the national event to inspire girls in science and math being held for the first time in Northern Colorado.

Heidi Olinger, founder and chief executive of Pretty Brainy, organized and will facilitate the parent conference. Pretty Brainy, based in Fort Collins, CO, is an award-winning education nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower girls to gain STEAM, or STEM plus an “A” for art.

For the full conference schedule, as well as information about Expanding Your Horizons, visit http://nocoeyh.wix.com/home.

For more information about Pretty Brainy, visit www.prettybrainy.com.

Heidi Olinger
Pretty Brainy CEO
ideas@prettybrainy.com