Sally Ride, America
’s first woman astronaut, has teamed up with Galileo Educational
Services to create a camp at Stanford University offering girls
entering grades six through eight an opportunity to explore science
and have fun in a safe environment.
Sally Ride, America’s first woman astronaut, has teamed up with Galileo Educational Services to create a camp at Stanford University offering girls entering grades six through eight an opportunity to explore science and have fun in a safe environment.
The overnight program will allow middle school girls to deepen their interest in science, meet other girls with similar interests, and be introduced to female role models pursuing science and engineering careers.
“According to the latest statistics, 8 of the 10 fastest growing occupations are science or technology related, yet women make up only 19 percent of the technical workforce,” said Ride, founder, president and CEO of Imaginary Lines, Inc. “We developed this camp specifically for middle school girls because that is the age when many girls begin to drift from their natural interests in science. Our mission is to keep them in the technical pipeline.”
Jim Plummer, Dean of the Stanford University School of Engineering, serves as the program’s faculty sponsor. Campers will have opportunities to use Stanford’s engineering buildings and athletic facilities. The girls will also interact with female undergraduate and graduate students from the university’s science and engineering departments.
“Stanford University is committed to encouraging young women to pursue careers in science and engineering,” said Plummer. “We’re proud to be hosting the Sally Ride Science Camp.”
To lead the summer science program, Galileo Educational Services has tapped Stephanie Rafanelli, a veteran camp director and highly respected science teacher at Menlo School. A former science major and varsity soccer player at Stanford, Rafanelli said “I jumped at the chance to help motivate young women to pursue their interests in science and technology.”
The camp will serve 240 girls with a 6:1 student to staff ratio. In the morning, campers will focus on one of three majors – astronomy, bio-engineering or structural engineering. Afternoon activities will include sports, field trips and team building activities. Evenings will revolve around special guests, fun outings and in-dorm events. Sally Ride will conduct conference calls with the girls each week.
Sally Ride Science Camp Schedule
• Session One: Sunday, June 22, 3 p.m. – Friday, June 27, 3:30 p.m.
• Session Two: Sunday, June 29, 3 p.m. – Friday, July 4, 3:30 p.m.
• Session Three: Sunday, July 6, 3 p.m. – Friday July 11, 3:30 p.m.
• Session Four: Tuesday, July 15, 3 p.m. – Sunday, July 20, 3:30 p.m.
The camp fees, which include room and board in secure, supervised dedicated dormitories on the Stanford campus, are $1,000 per session before March 1 and $1050 after March 1. Girls who enroll for two weeks will receive a $100 discount and the opportunity to participate in the Weekend Adventures program for an additional $300. A number of need-based scholarships will be offered through the Galileo Campership Program.
Imaginary Lines, Inc.
Imaginary Lines was founded by astronaut Sally Ride to support the large numbers of girls and young women who are, or might become, interested in science, math, and technology. The company organizes quality events, programs and activities for girls that empower them, engage them and encourage their interests. Programs include the Sally Ride Science Festivals; TOYchallenge™, and the Sally Ride Science Club™.
For more information on the Sally Ride Science Camp, www.SallyRideCamps.com or call 1-888-472-4386. For information on Imaginary Lines, visit www.ImaginaryLinesInc.com
Galileo Educational Services’ mission is to provide opportunities for young people to discover and pursue their passions. To learn more visit: www.galileoed.com
