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I just saw this today and the application date starts today as well. For all us girls who are STEM inclined...
I don't think government programs should exclude males or females unless there is a strong rationale. Looking at the criteria at the site, boys ARE able to apply, but they don't want boys to apply. My eldest son is interested in astronomy, so I'll encourage him to do so.
"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle." - George Orwell
I don't think government programs should exclude males or females unless there is a strong rationale. Looking at the criteria at the site, boys ARE able to apply, but they don't want boys to apply. My eldest son is interested in astronomy, so I'll encourage him to do so.
I understand your point of view Bostonian, and as the mom of a son who is really into astronomy and science, the first thing I thought was "Gee, I wish there was a program like this for boys!". Then I realized after reading your reply that boys probably have to be accepted into this program... but fwiw... I'm also a female scientist and I've seen in my education and career how there can be gender barriers and I also understand wanting to get more girls interested in science. Sometimes you can't do everything with limited resources. If I was a mentor scientist in this program, I'd be committing my time expecting to mentor a girl, and that's why I would be making the commitment. So while I get that it should in theory be ok to go ahead and sign up a boy, I don't necessarily think it's something I'd do. But that's just me!
I am an active member of a local Women in Technology group, and it's been interesting to watch the metamorphosis over the past three years. At first it was a core group of women who really leaned on each other for resources, support, connections, etc. in fields that are typically dominated by men. Many of those women helped me tremendously when I started my own tech company.
Now the monthly meetings have a ratio of about 2/3 women and 1/3 men. We've attracted some excellent guest speakers, educational classes, etc., that men have opted into taking part in. We've always welcomed men, but the focus has been on helping young girls and career women succeed in fields previously dominated by men.
I imagine the motive behind this program is similar, so I'd definitely encourage your son to apply.
i think this is great. When I took engineering, only 4% of the class was female. I think there has to be greater emphasis to encourage girls. Think Larry Summers and his comments about math and science and women....
What message? That the program is encouraging girls to stay involved in science?
I would explain to my children (boys and girls - and I have both btw) - that girls have traditionally been under-represented in science and technology fields, and that this is one way that scientists are using to try to encourage girls who enjoy science to stay interested in it and consider it as a career path. That's what it is.