Open Minds, Open Doors Conference for middle school girls to introduce careers in science, technology, engineering and math

For immediate release

Grant Wood AEA is pleased to announce involvement in a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiative for middle school girls. 

The Open Minds, Open Doors Conference will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 8:30 a.m. – noon at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. The goal of the conference is to encourage girls in 6^th-8^th grade to pursue career fields with foundations in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). 

Mary Quass, president and CEO of NRG Media, LLC, will present the conference keynote speech. Quass will provide an inspirational message of encouragement for the future. Professional women from the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor will conduct hands-on workshop sessions.

The Open Minds, Open Doors Conference originated in 1996 as an initiative of the Cedar Rapids Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) with support from Coe College.

Beginning with the 2007 conference, Grant Wood AEA assumed administrative leadership of the conference with continuing guidance and support from AAUW and Coe College

In August, Governor Chet Culver announced that Grant Wood AEA was the recipient of a $200,000 grant to enhance student learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Area schools received conference registration information for this year’s Open Minds, Open Doors conference during September.

To learn more about the Open Minds, Open Doors Conference, please contact Susie Green at Grant Wood AEA, (319) 399-6775, 1-800-798-9771, Ext. 6775, e-mail to sgreen@gwaea.org or visit the Grant Wood AEA website at www.aea10.k12.ia.us.