The American Association of University Women (AAUW), supported by the National Science Foundation, recently published a research summary called, Why So Few?  Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Their findings identified social and institutional issues that contribute to the fact that there are relatively fewer women than men in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math professions. 

One factor that attracted the attention of AAUW is that girls, in general, tend to have less developed spatial skills than boys.This ability to picture shapes in three dimensions can negatively affect a girl’s likelihood to do well with higher science, technology, engineering and math. Dr. Sheryl Sorby of Michigan Tech. has shown that with instruction, this gap can be closed. She developed a short course, which improves these skills to the level a student needs for success. 

The American Association of University Women, Cortland Branch, will offer this course, titled, Introduction to 3D Visualization, for girls who are entering 7^th through 10^th grades.  The Cortland YWCA will host the instruction in July. Dennis Wright, retired Science teacher in the Homer Central School System, will teach the course, which will be free to all participants. 

Community support for this venture has been outstanding. Superintendents Doug Larison, Homer, and Larry Spring, Cortland, have been very supportive of this initiative. Principals in each of their junior high schools arranged time for girls to hear about this opportunity. Financial support has been offered from, AAUW New York State, Zonta International, The Office of the President SUNY Cortland, and the Seigle Foundation.

Parents and Students who are interested in registering for this course, may contact Ellen Wright 607 749 2949.

Ellen Wright is treasurer of the Cortland Branch of the American Association of University Women.