Minuteman High School in Lexington to Host Camp for Girls Interested in STEM

By Judy Bass

Minuteman High School in Lexington will host an exciting Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camp that is free to seventh- and eighth-grade girls in the Minuteman school district, which includes the towns of Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Dover, Lancaster, Lexington, Lincoln, Needham, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston! Be mentored by impressive, accomplished students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics!

Out-of-district students are welcome to apply. There will be a charge to them to attend, please contact Minuteman’s Director of Career and Technical Education, Michelle Roche, for additional information at Minuteman High School, 758 Marrett Road, Lexington MA 02421. She can also be reached at 781-861-6500 x326 or mroche@minuteman.org.

Participants can extend their learning through fun and engaging hands-on STEM activities led by Minuteman’s young women who are certified in mentoring and are enrolled in STEM majors, facilitated by Minuteman’s Engineering teacher, Becky Quay.

“I have had a number of girls tell me how excited they are to have the Girls in STEM group we’re starting, and the fantastic resources that will be available to us from members in the community,” said Quay.

Although women represent nearly half of the entire workforce, they represent only a quarter of workers in STEM fields. The Girls in STEM mission is to encourage and engage girls who enjoy STEM courses to pursue and advance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Get excited and inspired through this mentoring network for middle school girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math!

The STEM camp will be held at Minuteman High School, 758 Marrett Road in Lexington, from February 17-20, 2015 from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm each day.

A link to information regarding the camp and registration can be found on the home page of Minuteman’s website, minuteman.org. Applicants can also contact Michelle Roche (contact information above).

Some of the possible camp activities are: 3D Print Chocolate Form, Solar Powered Cars, Parachutes, Boats, Bottle Rockets, Bungee Jumping Barbies, Bridges, Hot Air Balloons, and Kites.

Transportation will be provided for students in the Minuteman High School District, so families will need to let Minuteman know if they need a bus pick-up for their student. That question is included on the application; more information will follow in terms of pick-up time once Minuteman has an idea of how many students will need transportation.

Minuteman is looking for women currently working in STEM careers to join its Girls in STEM advisory committee. The membership will hold 2-3 meetings per year and participate in STEM mentoring activities with the high school young women. Those interested should contact Michelle Roche, contact information listed above, for more information.

Minuteman High School provides its students with a superb academic and technical education that readies them for professional success and gives them the ability to become contributing members of the community. Minuteman’s rigorous, challenging curriculum prepares students to excel in an increasingly competitive 21st century global economy. In addition, Minuteman has numerous services available for the public at reasonable cost and of outstanding quality. Please visit www.minuteman.org for more information on Minuteman High School.