Young Women in Science Summer Program Returns
PITTSFIELD — 2022 marks the 22nd year that Flying Cloud Institute will offer a Young Women in Science summer program. The week-long exploration, running August 1-5, will give female-identified youth, ages 9 to 16, the opportunity to investigate science and engineering topics, alongside peers who share a love of inquiry and discovery.
This program is for all cis and trans girls, as well as non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.
Participants will engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics in a professional laboratory setting, with guidance from practicing women STEM professionals. Students will be encouraged to engage with science topics — from chemistry to ecology to engineering and physics — on a deeper, more creative level as they develop their own research design and work through hands-on projects to solve problems and explore hypotheses.
“Research demonstrates that encouragement from female, STEM-professional role models and opportunities to engage in fun, hands-on, collaborative laboratory experiences help youth succeed in STEM fields,” said Executive Director Maria Rundle. “Our Young Women in Science programs are part of the revolution, changing the messages girls receive so they can envision themselves in STEM.”
The program will be located at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, and operate during the first week in August, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. COVID-19 vaccination is required. Tuition is $100 for the week-long session and financial aid is available to qualifying families. Additional funding is provided by our local community, including the generous support of local foundations and financial institutions.
The Young Women in Science Summer program fulfills Flying Cloud Institute’s mission to inspire young people through dynamic science and art experiences that ignite creativity.
To apply, visit flyingcloudinstitute.org or call (413) 645-3058 with questions.