Strategies for finding Girl–Nurturing Societies if you can’t make a school
ISIS
Isis, an Egyptian goddess revered as wise and just. She is said to be the one who invented agriculture, established law, and, as Star of the Sea, created navigation. In her honor we might seek to enlighten girls in science, math, astronomy, and politics.
Star of the Sea
There are all–girl camps of virtually every description. Among the special programs some offer are science, math, and technology expertise. My favorite is a new program called Coastal Studies for Girls in Maine, which is a semester–long academic and experiential program for sophomores in high school.
www.coastalstudiesforgirls.org
Many single sex schools offer summer programs in subject areas like archeology, astronomy, and the arts. See a list of member schools from the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools and check out special programs offered by a school near you.
www.ncgs.com
Sally Ride, the first woman astronaut in space, spoke at Archer’s graduation in 2006. She is the only engineer I’ve ever met who is also an inspiring speaker. She is also a very good role model. There are Sally Ride Camps for girls entering grades six through nine at several California college campuses: the University of California campuses at Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego and at Stanford University. The camps address primarily three subjects—astronomy, marine science, and robotics; there is need-based financial assistance available for those who qualify. Ride has a website encouraging girls in science and offering ideas and programs to help make it likely that more girls will study science.
www.sallyridescience.com
Classes or programs for high school girls are offered in a variety of subjects at colleges around the country. The following have been recommended by former Archer students:
- Barnard
- Smith—Robotics, Engineering
- University of Nebraska—All Girls/All Math
- Vassar
Many all girls’ boarding schools in the United States offer summer programs.
www.boardingschoolreview.com
There are coeducational classes designed for girls, often in math or science. There is some evidence that math classes that are single sex are more effective for girls than the traditionally male–dominated mixed sex math classrooms. Contact parents who are likely to harbor similar hopes for a girls’ – only class in math or science.
www.familyeducation.com
Daughters is a publication that provides parents of girls with information on topics from science homework to sexual harassment and guidance on how parents can help. The magazine is not free, but the community forum online apparently is.
www.daughters.com
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