Page 31 - BusinessWest August 8, 2022
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Summer Vocation
Eureka! Program Provides Opportunities for Pioneer Valley Girls
As Emmalene Pirnie thinks about start- ing college next year, she considers how the past five years in the Eureka! Program at Girls Inc. of the Valley has pre- pared her for that journey.
“I remember being a shy, nervous seventh- grader. If you had asked me about it then, I prob- ably wouldn’t have answered you,” she said. “The first summer was where I saw how much I loved the community that Girls Inc. built. I loved being
able to talk to the staff as friends and the other girls I got to meet. Throughout the past five years, I’d have to say it’s impacted my life in more ways than one.”
She went on to tell BusinessWest that the STEM-focused program made her realize she did enjoy her science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classes in high school; she just didn’t like the way they were being taught.
Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley, explained that stereotypes linger around women not taking an inter- est in STEM-related learning, and these stereotypes have created a rigid gender divide in the workforce.
“The whole goal, aside from high- school graduation, is to increase confi- dence in STEM subjects and to inspire confidence in STEM careers in the future,” Parker said. “Having confidence in those skills is going to benefit you no matter the career path you decide to take.”
The program is five summers long, starting the summer after seventh grade. Through a partnership with UMass Amherst and Bay Path University, stu- dents are able to explore fully immersive, STEM-based workshops.
Parker explained that half the time is
dedicated to exploring different STEM experienc- es and building exposure, while 25% of the time is focused around personal development, with students learning soft skills needed for jobs, such as leadership, public speaking, and communica-
“ I loved being able to talk to
the staff as friends and the other
girls I got to meet. Throughout the
past five years, I’d have to say it’s
impacted my life in more ways
”
tion. And the last 25% of the time is related to physical health and wellness and comprehensive sexuality education.
“They’re different from other programs in the area — it’s not just teaching the subject; they are doing science, which is different. They’re immersed in their learning,” said Yadilette
Eureka!
Continued on page 34
      than one.
 The goal of Eureka! is to increase girls’ confidence in STEM subjects and inspire confidence in STEM careers down the line.
   BusinessWest
EDUCATION
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