EYH event aimed for young women

For the 13th consecutive year, the Tulare County Office of Education and the College of the Sequoias are hosting Expanding Your Horizons — EYH — a student event designed to encourage young women, fourth to 10th grade, to explore careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). An approximate 700 young women are expected to attend.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20 at College of the Sequoias, the conference showcases math and science-related fields in innovative and interesting ways. It also helps young women form personal contacts with women working in professions traditionally held by men, and allows them to meet other young women interested in math and science.

Delivering the keynote address at 8:45 a.m. will be Dr. Thelma Hurd, a Surgical Oncologist, Associate Professor of Surgery and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas.

Following the morning address, professional women from throughout the state will lead hands-on workshops.

EYH participants can explore careers and opportunities in the STEM fields by attending workshops such as “E & M Reptile Family,” “Lift-Off: What Makes Rockets Fly?,” and “Design a Shoe to Learn About Engineering.”

“The purpose of the conference is to explain options and expand opportunities for our students that they may not have considered. It’s important for young women to not only hear about careers based in math and science, but also identify with women who are leading the way in these fields. EYH presents outstanding opportunities for both,” said Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak.

The event is not open to the public. The participants have already been selected.
For more information on the event, call Paula Terrill, Educational Resource Services, TCOE, at 651-0565.