One-day math/science conference at Montana State University for girls seeks presenters, sponsors

MSU conference organizers seek female employees and students who can present and serve as role models for junior high-aged girls interested in science and math careers.

The annual conference, called Expanding Your Horizons, takes place April 17 on the MSU campus. Organizers are specifically seeking workshop presenters in the fields of agriculture, nursing, architecture, earth science, business, math, computer science and IT. These career fields are not yet represented at the conference.

MSU faculty, staff and students who would like to share their expertise and enthusiasm in STEM fields can contact the program organizer to develop a workshop topic and hands-on activity. Training is offered for new presenters.

Participating girls rotate through four, 40-minute interactive sessions during the day. EYH exposes young women to math and science careers and encourages them to pursue math and science courses in high school and college.

EYH is also seeking program sponsorship or in-kind donations from MSU colleges, departments and organizations, so the registration fee can remain low enough for all girls to attend. Community professionals also participate.

EYH is a national program that, since 1992, is hosted locally by MSU’s Extended University outreach program. Annually, over 200 girls from all around Montana attend and participate in engaging science and math activities ranging from assembling robots to analyzing fossils or personal finance.

To download a presenter application or to see a slide show of the 2008 event, go to http://eu.montana.edu/ContinuingEd/youth/ and scroll down to "Expanding Your Horizons."

To participate, donate, or for more information, contact Susan Byorth at [email protected] or 406-994-6490. Deadline is Feb. 5.