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What is Women In Charge: Engineering Women’s Lives?

   Women In Charge: Engineering Women’s Lives is a dynamic program designed to increase interest in science and math careers among female students. Participants engage in hands-on activities like climbing a 40-foot tower to study pulley systems, sea kayaking to learn about ecosystems, and observing surgeries with female surgeons.

 

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What types of activities are included in the program?

   The program includes exciting activities such as climbing and rappelling to understand mechanical systems, kayaking to observe wildlife, and working in Clemson’s DNA Learning Center, as well as live surgeries with female medical professionals.

 

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Who is the target audience for the program?

   The program specifically targets low and middle-income female students in seventh and eighth grades at Moultrie Middle School.

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Why was the Women In Charge program created? 

   The program was created by Millibeth Currie to address the lack of female participation in science and math classes and to encourage young girls to step out of their comfort zones.

 

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What issue does the program aim to solve? 

   It aims to solve the problem of lower science and math scores among female students and the struggle to increase female enrollment in higher-level physics and pre-engineering classes in high school.

 

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How long does the program run?

   The Women In Charge program is a two-year course designed for seventh and eighth grade female students.

 

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What are the main objectives of the program?

   The program's main objectives are to increase participant interest and knowledge in science and math careers while providing a structured approach to career planning.

 

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What strategies does the program use to achieve its goals?

   The program employs various strategies and activities organized into four strands, ensuring a thorough understanding of real-world science and math applications.

 

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What was the inspiration behind the program's creation?

   Millibeth Currie was inspired to create the program after observing that many female students were hesitant to participate in math and science, despite needing encouragement to pursue these fields.

 

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How does the program support female students’ career aspirations? 

    By providing hands-on experiences and mentorship, the program equips female students with the confidence and skills needed to pursue careers in science and math, thereby empowering them for future success.