![DWS-pic](/sierrasuntimes/images/2014/september/DWS-pic.jpg)
Mariposa AAUW (American Association of University Women) invites local girls in the 8th-12th grade who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers to attend the second annual “Dinner with a Scientist” event on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at UC Merced. The students will be transported to the university for a catered meal and informal Q and A dinner table conversations with professional women who have chosen to forge unusual careers in S.T.E.M. fields. The event is free of charge to the selected participants.
Students can obtain applications from their schools or at: aauwmariposa.com. Nomination forms are also available on the website to submit the name of a young woman who might benefit from the experience. The deadline for submission is September 15 for applicants and September 10 for nominations. Participants will be chosen based on several factors, including their interest and potential for success in S.T.E.M.
Dinner with a Scientist is hosted in partnership with Mariposa Youth Impact Project (MyIP), the Tavis Corporation and MCHS Academic Boosters Club. UC Merced contributes the venue and inspirational scientists for the girls to meet. The goal is to encourage girls to explore different types of careers and to address women’s lack of representation in the sciences. Last year’s participants were overwhelmingly positive about the evening and its impact.
For more information on Dinner with a Scientist, contact Marilyn Saunders at: mwsaunders@earthlink.net.
AAUW is a national organization dedicated to lifelong learning and advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Mariposa branch has nearly 100 members who support local projects such as Tech Trek, a weeklong science camp for girls and Speech Trek, a thought-provoking speech contest. To learn more, visit: aauwmariposa.com.