Bridgeport scholars in Girls Inc. of SWCT’s STEM program visit City College of New York

June 11, 2010 - PRLog -- Bridgeport scholars in Girls Inc. of SWCT’s STEM program visit City College of New York laboratories and classrooms.

On May 27th, 2010 thirty-one Bridgeport public school girl scholars participating in Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut’s STEM program, Growth Through Transformation, visited City College of New York’s Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI). The girl scholars from Bassick, Central, and Warren Harding high schools in Bridgeport had a full day of medical research exploration.  Easton, CT resident, Dr. Jerry Guyden, RCMI Program Director and esteemed Immunologist at City College of New York, shared his passion for science and learning and presented a panel of some of his brightest students and diverse faculty members who work in his biomedical research lab.

The spirit of friendly competition to achieve better than statistics would dictate, motivation, and striving for success was alive in the CCNY classroom. Dr. Guyden shared inspiring words with the Bridgeport scholars “City College has a proud history and its history is about people like you (the scholars in The Growth Through Transformation program.) Many Students have doubt about themselves, this is a natural feeling, but with hard work, commitment and belief you will succeed. It is not just about academics and the books it’s about believing in you. Do not let anyone tell you ‘you can’t’.” Danielle Gleason, Girls Incorporated Associate Program Manager and Lead STEM Facilitator said “The field trip to City College was a very rewarding visit for our scholars. This was not only an educational exploration of the STEM field; it was a spiritual and motivational awakening for our scholars. We received feedback after the trip by scholars who said “I REALLY can do it” and “It’s true; I have no excuses.” This was a field trip that will not be forgotten”  

Scholars participated in a tour of the campus and its science laboratories. The visit was concluded by City College graduates and current students’ sharing their testimonials on finding their way through college and higher education in the science and Allied Health field. This was the final field trip of three done during the first learning cycle of   Girls Inc.  of SWCT’s Growth Through Transformation. Field trip attendance and participation for some scholars in the program went from 17% to 75%.  Scholars are now preparing for their 6 week work study internships in Allied Health beginning July 6th. Placement sites include Astoria Park, Bridgeport Department of Health, Covidien, North Bridge Health Care Center, Sickle Cell Association of Southwestern Connecticut, St. Vincent’s Fereolo Center, The Kennedy Center, and VITAS: Innovative Hospice Care. The Girls Inc.  of SWCT Growth Trough Transformation partners and scholars are excited for a summer of STEM!
The Girls Inc. STEM program has been made possible through a strategic partnership with The Workplace, Inc in Bridgeport, CT.   It is offered without cost to participating girls ages 15-18 at Bassick, Central, and Warren Harding High schools. For more information about Growth Through Transformation please contact Danielle Gleason Girls Inc. STEM Facilitation Leader, at 203-756-4639 or via email dgleason@girlsincswct.org.

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Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold. The organization’s roots date back to 1864 with the Southwestern Connecticut lead office in Waterbury, CT being the original building where it all began. Girls Inc. of Southwestern Connecticut offers services from lower and mid Fairfield County to the Greater Waterbury area and provides vital educational and social programs to girls. Girls Inc.’s, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. The organization’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.
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The WorkPlace, Inc., Southwestern Connecticut’s Regional Workforce Development Board, helps people prepare for careers and strengthens the workforce for employers in Southwestern Connecticut.  Our mission is to develop a well-educated, well-trained and self-sufficient workforce that can compete in the changing global marketplace.

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Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.