Southeast Tech to Host Women in Science Event: Nearly 800 Middle School Girls, Teachers Attend

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Southeast Tech will hold a Women in Science event on campus Wednesday, March 6 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nearly 800 eighth-grade girls and teachers are expected to attend. The event will feature technical career paths and presentations by presenters in science-related occupations. The day is structured so each girl has the opportunity to hear at least five presentations and visit the exhibit room, where approximately 30 exhibitors will have displays.

The Women in Science Conference is designed to promote a positive image and to stimulate interest in science and technology careers for young women. Women are historically underrepresented in science and math related fields. While women account for roughly half of the workforce, they hold less than 25 percent of jobs in these technological areas.

“We are working to raise awareness to the wide variety of jobs available in math, science and technology fields, particularly to young women,” said Anna Fischer, a Pre-College Program Advisor at Southeast Tech.

“We have local doctors, veterinarians, pharmacists, zoologists, optometrists, dentists, nurses, ultrasound technologists, nutritionists, chemists, computer analysts, geographers and engineers giving presentations,” Fischer continued. “The exhibit area has hand-on activities and young women will have the opportunity to visit one-on-one with professionals working in these areas.”

The forum is presented by Women in Science, an organization dedicated to achieving equity and full participation for women in science, math, engineering and technology. Women in Science strives to make young women aware of the opportunities available to them, and promotes student interest by establishing personal connections with professional women already accomplished in scientific and technological careers.

Students from Brandon, Canton, Chester, Dell Rapids, Flandreau, Harrisburg, Hartford, Lennox, Madison, Marion, Parker, Sioux Falls and Tea middle schools will be in attendance.