| Math Options History |
Math Options is a math and science career day for young women at Penn State Abington. The goal of Math Options is to interest young women to continue studying mathematics and science and to pursue careers involving mathematics, the sciences, technology and engineering by offering role models and mentors.
Math Options has grown tremendously since it started in 1990, when 150 seventh-grade girls and 30 teachers came to the Penn State Abington campus to learn about career options. Since then, the program has served thousands of girls and young women who have participated in many hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and presentations led by women professionals.
Over the past years, the Math Options Advisory Committee has re-engineered the program to adapt to changes in Pennsylvania educational trends and policies. One important change was a focus on providing information for young women in tenth and eleventh grades. A pilot program was held on Friday, October 25, 2002 and the first new program was held on Friday, October 24, 2003.
Up until recently, the annual Math Options Career Awareness Day consisted of invitations to sixty young women accompanied by a teacher from 10 area high schools to attend the program. They were divided into small groups and throughout the day participated in several workshops, a panel discussion and career fair.
An important issue for Math Options has always been the careful selection of participants. Schools were specifically asked to select students who have demonstrated a keen interest in and have shown an aptitude for math and science, but who may benefit some extra support or guidance in their education and career plans. We also stressed the importance of including an ethnically diverse group of young women. Furthermore, it was suggested that the participants be given the opportunity to share their experience with friends and classmates.
We know by the students' and teachers' evaluations that our programs have been very successful. October 2005 marked a special 15th Anniversary celebration of Math Options as an annual event.
Currently, Math Options is run as part of our summer Kids & Teen College. Young women in grades 6 through 10 are invited to participate in a week-long summer camp involving hands-on learning and fun led by area women professionals. Students spend the week learning about many various careers involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Additional opportunities to learn about STEM are offered through our summer Kids & Teen College which offers STEM-related summer camps for students in grades 3-12. Whether in a camp focusing on robotics, engineering, chemistry or multimedia design, students are provided with many opportunities for hands-on learning in many subject areas and they are given opportunities to learn about the many career options in related fields.
More information, contact Deanna Bosley, 215-881-7339.
