Middle school girls can explore STEM careers with hands-on workshops

Middle school girls will have the opportunity to meet a female rocket scientist, learn how to design a spacecraft and discover how to make a ship float at a one-day conference sponsored by Tidewater Community College and the Virginia Beach branch of the American Association of University Women.

“Tech Savvy,” facilitated by professional women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, is March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Advanced Technology Center on TCC’s Virginia Beach Campus.

Girls in grades six through nine can choose from a range of topics in the hands-on STEM workshops. In the afternoon, girls will interview with college admissions counselors to learn about the importance of self-esteem and teamwork. Jill M. Marlowe, research directorate director at NASA Langley Research Center, will be the keynote speaker.

An adult must register with each participant and stay for the entire program. Parents and families will be part of sessions on paying for college and how to encourage girls to pursue STEM career paths. Cost is $20 for child and adult; one adult can register more than one child. Lunch will be provided.

To register, visit VirginiaBeach-VA.aauw.net. For questions, call Sally Daniel, TCC coordinator for recruitment and retention in engineering and technologies, at 757-822-7554.