Help 30 girls, ages 12 to 15 years old, attend a two-week summer camp in Houston, Texas, on science, math, and relevant technology (SMART).

Why we care: Few girls and women enter career fields that focus on science, math, and technology.

How we’re solving this: Hosting a 2-week summer camp on Houston Baptist University where 30 girls are encouraged to participate in the fields of math and science, to consider attending a 4-year university, and to be bold in all they strive to do.

Studies indicate that most girls in the United States lose interest in science and math by age 12. As a result, fewer women enter into career fields that focus on science, math, and technology in very low numbers. Studies also show there is a marked gender bias by both colleges and employers when choosing candidates with math and science skills.

The goal of Camp SMART is to introduce young women to life on a college campus and to teach them in a fun way about science, math and relevant technology. In addition, Camp SMART seeks to encourage various forms of physical exercise and to stretch beyond their boundaries. During the two-week summer camp—occurring from July 8 to July 15—girls will meet professors from the math, science, and computer technology department. They will also be introduced to students and a variety of student activity groups on campus and be given tours of the campus itself as seen through the eyes of current college students.  

Since many of the young women served by the Girls Inc. of Greater Houston are also first generation college attendees, they will have an opportunity to meet with college administrators to learn about how to apply for college, how best to prepare and learn about the variety of support mechanisms (both financial and emotional) that are available to them though campus life. Girls will be able to have experiential opportunities to explore these topics that are designed to be fun and interactive.

In addition, the Girls Inc. of Greater Houston has partnered with the Ladies Professional Golf Association so Camp SMART attendees can get golf.  Other physical activities planned include swimming lessons, yoga, ballet, and Pilates.  Personal development classes will also be taught.