Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited. The cost to attend is $25 online or $30 at the door and includes lunch and T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/STEMGiRLS.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Aug. 15, 2016) - - - Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce the third "Girls Really Love Science" event, which will be held on October 22.

The STEM GiRLS workshop is a one-day science, technology, engineering and math workshop that is open to 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade girls from both public, homeschool and private middle schools that centers on educating and promoting the success of girls.

The workshop is designed to promote awareness of STEM careers through interactive, hands-on activities in agricultural science, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, math, physics and other applied sciences that are designed to encourage success in and promote scientific and technological understanding of the STEM fields.

"Activities are designed so that each female student has opportunities to explore and work project-based activities related to STEM fields, and each student will be directed by experienced professionals from higher education and technological industries," said Dr. Glenn Hudson, Columbia State associate professor of mathematics and physics. "The activities are being chosen from nearly every conceivable field identified as a STEM-field by the National Science Foundation."

Janet Ivey, creator of Janet's Planet and Children's Television Network ambassador and spokesperson, will be the keynote speaker. Ivey has recently worked on educational outreach for NASA's New Horizon's mission, and has been named to the Board of Governors for the National Space Society and the spokesperson for Enterprise in Space. Ivey earned her bachelor's degree from Belmont University.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for middle school girls to attend a single-gender class, which builds stronger STEM self-concepts and greater preference to study STEM subjects in high school and college.

Parents and teachers are invited to stay for a complementary adult session that will provide insight on how to encourage and guide young women in STEM classes and careers, demonstrating how daughters and students can have rewarding and high-paying careers in a variety of STEM fields. Parents and teachers must register for the adult session upon registering the child for the event to ensure space and meals for all in who attend.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. The event will kick off at 8:30 a.m. in the Cherry Theater. STEM GiRLS will conclude at 4 p.m.

Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited. The cost to attend is $25 online or $30 at the door and includes lunch and T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/STEMGiRLS.

Registration opened August 15 and is open until filled. The event is open to female, middle school students in Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Wayne and Williamson Counties.

Columbia State is pleased to announce that the General Motors family, including Lucas Chevrolet and Parks Motor Sales, and Listerhill Credit Union will continue their involvement with STEM GiRLS.

Photo Caption: Janet Ivey, STEM GiRLS keynote speaker

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.

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