Girls Exploring Math and Science is an event all fifth-grade girls of West Hawaii can attend to experience the excitement of workshops and projects presented by professional women who use technology, math and science in their careers. On Friday, 326 girls spent the day at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay, learning about marine biology, robotics, archaeology, veterinary science, astronomy and more. In all, 21 workshops were offered. There were also six exhibits the girls visited during breakfast and breaks.
Organized annually by the American Association of University Women, this day for girls is supported by the community college, Keauhou Canoe Club and many civic organizations. More than 150 volunteers participated.
Every year, the biggest challenge is to raise the money for GEMS expenses. AAUW held a luncheon at Jackie Rey’s earlier this month, but donations are vital to the event’s success. This year, major donors were honored at the opening ceremony. They included Rotary Club of Kona, Mauna Kea Educational Outreach, Canada France Hawaii Telescope, Thirty Meter Telescope and Connie and Gary Monell, AAUW members. The Hawaii County Council was also thanked for the $4,000 from its contingency fund.
Doug Simons spoke to the girls, relating his own experience as a boy interested in science. He told them he was a fifth-grader when he received his first telescope, leading ultimately to his career as an astronomer. He urged them to dream big, find their passion and never be dissuaded by those who doubt their ability to achieve all for which they hope.