South Dakota EPSCoR has supported “Women In Science” which introduces science-based careers to middle-school and high school aged girls and young women. This is a program that has rapidly grown in number of conference sites as well as student attendance.

Each conference features its own keynote speaker and breakout sessions in which various science-related careers are highlighted, including information on educational requirements and job opportunities. Some of those careers highlighted at past conferences include dentistry, dietetics, dermatology, geology, law enforcement, meteorology, paleontology, biology, and chemistry.

The attendees are asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of their conference. One of the questions asked was “After today, would you consider a science related career?” and a resounding 70% indicated they would! One of the conference’s next goals is continue to create and develop this interest in science-based careers and help South Dakota’s young women develop into South Dakota’s next generation of scientists!