Expanding Your Horizons
Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics (EYH) are conferences created to promote and foster interest for girls in the areas of science and math. The conferences are held with hopes that girls who attend will be encouraged to consider careers in these disciplines.
In 1976 the Math/Science Network formed the first EYH conference held at Mills College in Oakland California. The Math/Science Network was originally created in 1974 by a group of female math and science educators in San Francisco. The founders of the Math/Science Network were concerned with the low participation rates of females in math and science courses. It was this initial concern that spawned what is now known as a nationally recognized effort. The goals of the conference are:
- To provide young women with opportunities to meet and interact with positive women role models who are active in math and science related careers;
- To involve young women with limited opportunities for success in positive experiences in mathematics and science;
- To increase the interest of young women in math and science by providing exciting and fun hands-on learning experiences;
- To encourage young women to study as much math and science as possible by showing them the benefits of education and its relevance to their lives;
- To foster awareness of career opportunities in science and math related careers.
Grant Awarded For Longitudinal Study
Mary Virnoche, Sociology, and Beth Eschenbach, Environmental Resource Engineering, were awarded an AAUW Community Action Grant of $7500 to evaluate the efficacy of the EYH Conference. The two-year grant will fund an extensive evaluation of EYH. Beth Eschenbach coordinates Expanding Your Horizons at HSU. Mary Virnoche will lead the two year study, and Practicing Sociology MA student Leah Thompson will continue her work on the project.
EYH at Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University (HSU) held its first EYH conference in 1982, which was organized and directed by Phyllis Chinn. The conferences are currently held every other year. The 2003 conference evaluation suggested that the event was a big hit among the 251 6th-12th grade girls who participated.