MPWG: Women Ventures in Science, Engineering and Math

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9453725 Warren Through the initiative of the Consortium for Adult Education, the Women Ventures in Science, Engineering and Math project was created with the collaboration of the two- and four-year colleges and universities in the Cincinnati area, along with the primary organizations for workforce development programs for women on public assistance. The thrust of this project is to provide a pathway to economic self sufficiency and family stability for these minority women through careers in the fields of science, engineering, and math (SEM). The project focuses on outreach, recruitment, assessment, preparation and ongoing support so that the target group can matriculate into SEM majors and become high performance workers in a high tech work place. The project begins with an effective marketing campaign that sells the benefits of careers in SEM, with the outcome of 300-400 of the target group attending one of the two scheduled SEM Career Fairs. From this pool, 100-150 women will be selected through a holistic assessment process to participate in one of two 240 hour preparatory program. The assessment will assist the women in self discovery, identifying transferrable skills and aptitudes, and committing to a career in SEM. Preparatory sessions will provide the women with full exposure to the advantages/disadvantages of SEM careers, survival skills in male dominated occupations, self motivation techniques, academic refresher opportunities, a support system, and an individual service strategy. Upon completion of the 240 hour course, 50 women will matriculate into SEM majors at the two- and four-year colleges/universities. After the women start their educations, the collaborating institutions will provide ongoing support and direction to ensure graduation and employment. A College Advisory Committee has been established and will provide ongoing guidance and direction to the project. It is expected that once this model project is demonstrated to be effective, the process will be institutionalized and made part of the ongoing operation of the organization that are responsible for the workforce development activities of women on public assistance. ***