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

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