Girlstart
Girlstart December Newsletter - Volume 10, Issue 12
www.girlstart.org
 IN THIS ISSUE

  1. Note from Rachel
  2. Girlstart Events and News
  3. Volunteer Spotlight
 NOTE FROM RACHEL

Science!

Happy December! I think it goes without saying that it is during this time of year that non-profits around the world are grateful for the willingness of communities to pitch in and help organizations establish a firm foundation for the upcoming year. At Girlstart, we depend greatly on the generosity of individuals, companies and foundations who see the value in helping girls get a firm grip on their potential. We are shaping not only the lives of the girls we serve, we are empowering a generation to step up and make a difference in all our lives through innovation and excellence in math, science, technology and engineering. That said, if you're struggling to figure out just what to get your favorite non-profit (hint, hint) for the holidays, please visit our wish list.

And don't forget to check out two important events tomorrow, December 1st. We have our free Girlstart Science Extravaganza at the Ann Richards School from 1-4 p.m. This "Gateway to Geniusville" will feature a slew of exciting and wacky science demonstrations. The event is open to the public, and a perfect way to spend an educational (and fun!) afternoon with the entire family.

Also, be sure to check out the Project IT Girl Poster Session at the Mexican American Cultural Center from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (plenty of time to get over to the Science Extravaganza directly following at 1 p.m.) In this session, high school "IT" girls will have the opportunity to present their educational video game ideas to the public. The goal is to get feedback not only from the community at large, but also from members of the academic, technology, and gaming industries here in Austin before submitting their games for consideration in the One Laptop Per Child program!

Thank you and Happy Holidays!



Rachel

 GIRLSTART EVENTS AND NEWS

Girlstart Community Camp

Community Camp: Science Extravaganza!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Girlstart’s FIRST EVER Science Extravaganza Community Camp December 1st at the Ann Richards School (off Prather Lane) from 1pm-4pm. FREE ADMISSION!!! Everyone Welcome! Families and friends will explore hands-on science fun, star gaze in Girlstart’s Starlab planetarium, take home activities for the whole family and learn the secrets behind a winning science fair project. There will be door prizes, games, and more! No registration needed. Visit http://www.girlstart.org/communitycamp.asp for more information. Hope to see you there!

 

IT Girl Game Design Poster Showcase
Please join us on Saturday, December 1st as Girlstart’s Project IT Girl high school students present their educational computer game designs to the public for the first time! true north This year the IT Girls are designing, programming, and marketing their own educational games for children in developing countries to submit to the One Laptop Per Child Program for inclusion on their ultra-low-cost teaching laptop that will be distributed around the world. Community members and gaming professionals are invited to meet the girls and give feedback on their game design posters for a chance to win a special Project IT Girl prize. We’ll also have our new XO Laptop on display so that you can test drive the machine that everyone is talking about. All are welcome!Girlstart Community Camp
Project IT Girl Game Design Poster Showcase
Saturday, December 1, 2007 10am-12 pm
Mexican American Cultural Center
600 River Street
On the North side of Town Lake btwn Congress & IH35

Girlstart Spring Saturday Camp Registration OPENS December 17th!!!
Don't miss out on the fun with math, science, and technology! Campers at Behind the Magic Parent/Daughter Saturday camp created a magical crystal ball using dry ice and soapy water. When asked what they enjoyed best about their experience, a parent relied; “A fun learning environment for my daughter.” Girlstart provides a supportive and hands-on atmosphere for girls to experiment with forensic science, robots, e-cards, and more! FREE Saturday camps are held on-site at the Girlstart Tech Center in Austin. For more information and the complete camp lineup visit http://www.girlstart.org/saturday.asp

Coming SOON!!! Girlstart Summer camp Registration OPENS mid-January!!!
Girlstart is hosting its tenth year of award winning week-long summer day camps in math, science, and technology for girls at the Girlstart Tech Center. Check out www.girlstartcamp.org for camp dates, themes, and registration information! Come join the fun at Girlstart this summer!!!

Upcoming Events Calendar
November 30, Dec 7, 12, 14th, and 16th Girlstart Gift wrapping at Book People
December 1st- Project IT Girl Poster Session at Mexican American Cultural Center
December 1st- Science Extravaganza at Ann Richards School
December 8th- E-Holiday Saturday Camp (1st-3rd grade and 4th-5th grade)
January 26th- RoboART Saturday Camp (6th-8th grade)
February 9th- Love Bug Saturday Camp (1st-3rd grade and 4th-5th grade)
March 29th- Expanding Your Horizons

 

 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Girlstart Giftwrapping at Book People
Don’t forget to stop by Book People over the holidays to support Girlstart programs! Girlstart volunteers will be wrapping purchased books on November 30th (4-8pm), December 7th (4-8pm), December 12 (8-11pm), December 14th (9am-12pm) and December 16th (9am-12pm). All tips given to Girlstart gift wrappers go toward our programs. Get your shopping done and make a difference in the lives of Girlstart girls!

Visit our volunteer page to see how you and your group can get more involved with Girlstart!

 

 
 DONOR HIGHLIGHTS



Current Sponsors

Lucky Stars
FOX 7 KTBC Austin    National Science Foundation   Texas Education Agency   
Sooch Foundation

Super Stars
   A Glimmer of Hope     The Dell Foundation   Topfer Family Foundation

Shining Stars
AMD   Applied Materials  City of Austin   Intel   Motorola   ExxonMobil    
Synopsys Community Fund

Rising Stars
Cisco     KDK-Harman Foundation     Kodosky Foundation     National Instruments Randall's
Seawell Elam Foundation     Silicon Laboratories     YWA Foundation     RGK Foundation

Shooting Stars
BAE Systems     CREW Austin     KLE Foundation
Maxwell Locke & Ritter     Microsoft     SouthCentral Girls’ Collaborative     Wells Fargo



Girlstart gives girls the tools they need to be leaders of their generation. Help a girl change the world. Give to Girlstart now!