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MEDIA CONTACT: AREAS OF INTEREST: Education, Women, Non-Profits, Calendar, Metro, Life/Arts, Features VISUAL ASSETS: Interview with Girlstart Spokesperson, Girls Engaging with Volunteers and College Students, UT Student Union Ballroom, Girls Signing “College Promise” Pledges GIRLSTART TO CONDUCT “TAKE A GIRL TO COLLEGE DAY” ON OCT. 26 (Austin, TX —Oct. 17, 2007) What may only be a dream for some girls will be a reality for a day. In the largest group to date, Girlstart’s 9th Annual “Take a Girl to College Day” will allow 300 students from the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Burnet Middle School and Mendez Middle School to experience life as a college student on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007 at the University of Texas campus in the Texas Ballroom on the 2nd Floor of the Student Union located near the corner of Guadalupe and 24th Streets. The annual event was designed to inspire girls to envision their future with higher education as the top priority. According to Girlstart Founder and Executive Director Rachel Muir, the chance to play the role of a college student turns the dream into a reachable goal. “For many girls in underserved communities, the idea of going to college may not even enter their minds because of a variety of barriers including financial restrictions and just a basic lack of self confidence,” Muir said. “But when they get a clear picture of the admissions process, the support that’s available, what academic life is like and the opportunity to team up with a college girl for the day, the entire scenario is totally demystified. Suddenly, they can envision themselves taking that necessary step in life. It’s a powerful experience for all of us.” Girlstart volunteers will begin the day at 9 a.m. by telling each girl to which college they’ve been accepted. “This is a great way to start the day because it’s so fun to see the look on the girls’ faces when they’ve been told they’ve been accepted to Harvard, Duke, Yale or any number of prestigious colleges and universities,” Sarah Haegelin, Girlstart Volunteer and Event Coordinator said. “They’re absolutely giddy.” Girls have the opportunity to tour campus, participate in demonstrations in the science, math, technology and engineering departments, and spend the day alongside current female UT students who share their college experience with the participants. At the end of the day, girls are asked to make a decision to sign a “College Promise” – a pledge that higher education will be a part of their futures. For many girls, and for Girlstart staff, this is the most moving moment of the day. “We are so proud to be a part of this life-changing experience for girls,” Sarah K. Tays, Exxon Mobil spokesperson said. “It’s important that we all pull together to continue to empower and inspire girls in math, science, technology and engineering. They are our future.” For more information about Girlstart’s 9th Annual “Take a Girl to College Day” or to schedule an interview with a Girlstart spokesperson, a participating girl, or an event representative, please contact Jennifer Hill Robenalt at 512.382.0303 or 512.653.9656. -30- ABOUT GIRLSTART Girlstart is a non-profit organization created to educate and empower girls in math, science and technology. Founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, Girlstart has an enviable record of engaging, educating, and motivating girls to enjoy and become more proficient in mathematics and science in elementary school, middle school, and beyond. Child Magazine named the organization one of the top five programs for girls across the country. Girlstart offers a variety of educational formats designed for girls ages 9-15 through after-school programs, Saturday camps, and summer day camps. Girlstart serves a population that includes at-risk and minority girls. For more information, please visit www.girlstart.org. |
