Model Project for Women in Mathematics and Physical Science

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This project involves Westminister College, two local school districts, the Utah Mathematics/Science Network, and the University of Utah. The Network was formed by a group of women scientists from Utah schools, universities, and industry to increase awareness of career opportunities in science, to encourage young women to enter those fields, and to provide a support structure for them. Beginning in the fall of 1990, a group of high school teachers will begin developing supplementary materials, for their classes based on lectures in a seminar series conducted by the Utah Math/Science Network. The materials will be further developed, by selected University faculty and students, for a special summer course. In the spring of 1991, 12 female students who will be entering the University of Utah and who have expressed an interest in a career in mathematics or physical science shall be selected for the program. All participating students will take a course during the summer on the dynamical processes of chemistry and physics. After 15 months of special instruction and training, the 12 students will become active research participants. It is intended that 12 new students and 3 new high school teachers will be selected in 1992 to begin a second cycle of the program. Special two day strategy sessions for teachers will be held on alternate Saturdays in September to discuss ways of neutralizing gender bias and to provide a forum for developing ad discussing effective methods of outreach. The foci of the program are recruitment and retention.