Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit
Concurrent Sessions #3
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Hosted in Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet

Are Virtual or In-Person STEM Camps More Effective?
If you had to shift programming during the pandemic, how can we ensure that virtual delivery is comparable with in-person delivery? Join this session of comparative analysis of our two program formats from Summer 2021. Learn how to re-draft evaluation plans and implementation ideas to successfully convert from in-person programming to virtual programming. We will share basic descriptive data to compare The GEMS e-Camp Experience to The GEMS Summer Camp Experience.
Presented by Saki Milton, Executive Director, The GEMS Camp

Mechanical Mustangs Affirmed - A Self Full-filling Prophecy
After a short introduction to FIRST and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), learn about the Brandeis University longitudinal study data which correlates involvement with FIRST programs leading to higher participation rates in STEM degree programs and college admission as well as STEM careers. Hear a brief history of how Lutheran High School of San Antonio created a "No Boys Allowed" FTC team and branded the team as the Mechanical Mustangs Affirmed (Triple Crown winner) as a bit of a joke to those not on the team. That initial team won their way from league to regional championship to South USA Super Regional Championship. MM Affirmed continued their winning ways and it turns out the joke is on those who doubted them. MM Affirmed is becoming a complete team.
Presented by Andrew Schuetze, Teacher/RoboticsCoach/eSports GM, Lutheran High School of San Antonio with High School Students Delaney Kowald, Rachel Sanders, Dani Fischer, Cora Gunther, Ava Kowald, Raquel Martinez, and Kate Simnit

GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) - Expansion to Apprenticeships & Internships 
Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science is a free all-girls STEAM summer camp, focusing on educating young girls from under-resourced schools about the fields of STEAM. COVID-19 restrictions challenged GEMS to create new opportunities which included a high caliber in-person apprenticeship for a limited number of high school and undergraduate students. GEMS also continued the STEAM Activity Kits and YouTube channel which was developed for our younger miniGEMS campers. Although the pandemic hindered usual camps, GEMS maintained connections with students and expanded the program. Learn about the program and successes, challenges, and processes that may help in your own programming.
Presented by Stephanie Weiss-Lopez, Calista Burns, and Elizabeth Parra, University of the Incarnate Word, GEMS Program

Power in Affinity Groups
Explore Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion programs in industry and how to develop a support network, especially for minority STEM professionals as they enter the workforce. The session will review diversity-focused affinity groups, steps on how to engage in a diverse workforce, and steps to develop your own STEM career in the process.
Presented by Judith Ibarra-Bianchetta, Vice President, Tetra Tech

Strategies for Creating Engagement in a Virtual Setting
In this workshop, participants will engage in virtual icebreaker activities and tools facilitated over the summer. Participants will learn tips on which icebreakers work and allow girls to share their identities during the icebreaker. During this workshop, participants will share strategies that we have used to build authentic relationships for engagement during their virtual programs. Through these activities, participants can develop their program to increase girls of differing ethnicities and races to participate in their programs.
Presented by Dawn Hunter, Edgar Garza, and Geoffrey Reid, Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at UT Austin

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