Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (GEMS) is an after-school and summer program designed specifically for 4th-8th grade girls in the Minneapolis Public School District. The need for discrete programs for girls is acute. Research supports the idea that girls need early and on-going opportunities in science, mathematics, and technology in order to remain motivated and interested in these areas. Research also shows that students begin to lose interest in these areas by the 5th grade if not creatively instructed and engaged. This loss of interest is especially true for girls because gender difference in attitudes and academic performance in each of these areas favors male achievement. This trend is evident as girls choose to participate in fewer science investigations or feel intimidated and/or unprepared when handling science equipment.

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girls in engineering, mathematics, and science
minneapolis public schools
p.o. box 13331
minneapolis, mn 55414.5010
807 ne broadway
minneapolis, mn 55413.2398
District Programme Facilitator: Julie Blue
612.414.1946
e-mail: julie@gems-gise.org

Major funding by the Medtronic Foundation

GEMS 2008