March 12: 16th Annual Girls Exploring Tomorrow's Technology (GETT) in West Chester

When: Saturday, March 12 from 8am to 3pm
What: 16th Annual Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT) program
Where: West Chester East High School (450 Ellis Lane, West Chester, PA)

More than 500 girls in fifth through tenth grades from more than 100 schools across the region will have the chance to work with women role models to do everything from build rockets, design roller coasters, create mobile apps, extract DNA and construct suspension bridges.

GETT, which is presented by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG), provides girls the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to encourage them to pursue careers in these fields. In addition, girls can visit more than 50 organizations offering interactive experiences during the tradeshow-style GETT Expo including companies such as West Pharmaceuticals, Vanguard, DVHIMSS, Evolve IP, AGI, HomeNet Automotive, Kinetic Physical Therapy, PJM and more. Special sessions designed just for the parent/educator track will be held concurrent to the student sessions and explore best practices on the road to STEM success, strategies for involvement and resources available.

“The GETT program inspires hundreds of girls each year by encouraging them to explore careers in STEM, and learn from dozens of successful female role models who work in a variety of fields,” says Gary Smith, president and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Last year 530 students from 101 schools registered for this event, and more than 200 parents, educators and volunteers attended.

Students and educators participate for free, and parents are charged a nominal fee of $10. Registration is at near capacity and details are available at www.2016gett.eventbrite.com. Sponsorships are still available and volunteers are needed. For information, visit www.gettpa.org/sponsor and www.gettpa.org/volunteer.

GETT is a program of the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG), an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council, and is driven by the volunteer efforts of numerous public, private and educator organizations, along with public and private investments.

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 50 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.

Media Contacts:
Ellen Langas, NouSoma Communications, Inc. 610-658-5889, cell 610-256-2946, ellen@nousoma.com
Kristen Stewart, NouSoma Communications, Inc. cell 215-508-3004, kristen@nousoma.com