In July, the University of Rochester will offer a free, four-week science enrichment program for 24 young women who have completed 9th or 10th grade in Monroe County schools.
Mornings will be devoted to learning more about science and afternoons will be spent exploring what women scientists actually do. Called the "Pre-College Experience in Physics for Young Women" [PREP], the program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy and is free to participants. Students' families will need to provide lunch and daily transportation to and from campus. The program will be from July 5-29, 1994.
Those in the program will spend mornings learning about the fundamental "laws of nature" by seeing them in action and making measurements that reveal underlying mathematical patterns. They will also learn how those skills and concepts relate to real life. Students will make observations, perform calculations and make informal reports in class under the guidance of experienced professors and graduate students, but there will be no homework or grading in the traditional sense.
In the afternoons, students will meet women whose lives and careers are immersed in science and technology, as researchers, engineers, managers and corporate leaders, at locations within the University and at local companies. Participants will also hear guest speakers and take part in journal-writing, story- telling, group discussions and projects.
During the following school year, there will be one or two follow-up reunions, to help participants clarify their options for future summers and for college.
Candidates for the PREP program need not have studied physics. All needed materials will be introduced during the program. PREP is designed for young women who are talented in math and science, motivated to learn, and able to stick with the program for the full four weeks and follow-ups during the school year.
"PREP's aim is to make the experience fun, challenging, esteem-building, and to expose young women to new ideas and experiences," said Priscilla Auchincloss, one of the program coordinators.
To apply, candidates need to complete an application form which they may obtain from their high school guidance counselor or from Connie Jones at the University, 275-5306. Two recommendation forms, to be completed by a guidance counselor, principal or teacher, are included with the application form. All application materials should be sent in by February 28, 1994, but late applications will be considered.
Completed applications should be sent to: Attention PREP, Priscilla Auchincloss, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Bausch and Lomb Building, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627.
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