NASA Space Grant
- EYE TO THE FUTURE
Career Conference for Young Women in Math and Science
The Eye to the Future Career Conference
is a conference for 4th-8th grade young women who are interested in
mathematics and science. The conference was started by a group
of concerned math and science educators in 1992. These educators felt
young women needed greater opportunities to explore science and mathematics
careers and to reinforce the message that "girls can do science and
math."
At the Eye to the Future Conference, young women "try on" different math and science careers, hear about the joys and challenges of such careers, early influences and experiences, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in those careers. Young women choose from various sessions on topics such as "Getting Your Feet on the Ground" (physical therapist) to "Spaces and Places: Exploring Architecture as a Career" (architects). These 50 minute sessions offer a hands on opportunity for girls to work closely with professionals on related activities. Separate adult sessions provide current information on science enrichment programs, resources and research which promote scientific and mathematical literacy for young women. To close out the conference, an invited keynote speaker highlights her career journey in a multi-media presentation. In 2001, over 400 people attended the conference.
The next Eye to the Future Conference will be held in November, 2003. If you would like more information about the Eye to the Future Conference, please call (612) 330-1327.
Sponsors of the Eye to the Future Conference
include Augsburg College, the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium, the
Medtronic Foundation, and financial and in-kind contributions from
individuals and corporate donors.
Past Keynote Speakers:
1995 Rebecca Kolls,
Meterologist, WCCO
1996 Jan Welsh, Project WILD Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Education Specialist at the Raptor Center
1997 Nancy Gibson,
Naturalist, Newton's Apple, Co-founder of the International
Wolf Center, Wildlife Consultant for the MN Department of Natural
Resources, Author of Wolves
1998 Belinda Jensen, Meteorologist at KARE 11 News
1999 Julie Wilson, Ground Operations Educator at Northwest Airlines
2000 Lt. Commander Heidimarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, NASA Astronaut
2001 Katie Koch-Laveen, 2000-2001 Teacher of the Year, Apple Valley High School Chemistry Teacher
2002 Dr. Millie Johnson, Professor of Mathematics, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
2003 Dr. Maria Gini, Professor of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
2004 Dr. Krisi Curry-Rogers, Curator of Paleontology, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN