Outreach in Education

AWIS Outreach Programs

What is AWIS?

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS; www.awis.org) is a non-profit, educational, and volunteer service organization founded in 1971 to advance and support careers for women in all areas of science. There are now 70 chapters in the U.S. and over 5000 members nation-wide.

The AWIS Palo Alto Chapter and Community Outreach

Mission statement: "To create a community network for current and future women scientists that promotes excellence in life-long learning and achievements."

The local Palo Alto chapter (www.pa-awis.org), which serves an area from San Francisco to San Jose, was founded in 1985 and has over 300 members. Our volunteers are composed of graduate and postdoctoral students, scientists working in local computer, biotech, patent law, or aerospace industries, and academic researchers. Their scientific expertise covers a wide range of disciplines including biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, geology, ecology, neurobiology, molecular biology, and medicine. AWIS scientists will act as role models for the students by demonstrating their enthusiasm for science and, when requested, talk about their careers - what drew them to science and their particular field of study. We would like to show that women enjoy being scientists!

The AWIS-Palo Alto Chapter Outreach Program can assist you with …

· leaders for hands-on presentations and activities (Young Explorers)

· email mentors

· career days speakers

· science fair judges

· science fair prizes

· job shadowing opportunities (for senior high students)

· science project mentors

· job internships (for senior high students)

· network and resources for ideas and contacts

Young Explorers is a hands-on science program where an activity is presented to the class that integrates with the science component of the teaching curriculum. Besides presenting science as a fun learning experience and exposing the students to female scientist role models, the hope is to also involve parents in promoting their child's science education. A handout will always be provided describing the activity along with suggestions on how parents can take it further with their child at home. A follow-up report is also generated after each session.

We understand the demands of the teaching curriculum and would like to work with you on activities that would fit in with your current teaching plans. We try our best to match the community's needs from teachers, students, schools, and other organizations to the various interests of our members. We are also committed to protecting our volunteers' need for privacy by screening and keeping track of the numerous requests. Feedback from teachers and organizations are always appreciated. Our volunteers receive support from the Outreach Committee in supplies for the presentation, ideas for activities, and training in presenting to students.

An assigned teacher contact is a must for any program participation. Communication via email is preferred. The driving force that unites us is our commitment to provide young people with examples of female scientists and proving that science is fun!

If you want to play a significant role in promoting science education, please fill out the online questionnaire or print it out and return to: Katy Korsmeyer, Dept of Chemistry SJSU San Jose, CA 95192-0101