White Plains G.I.R.L.S. Academy Opens at Eastview Middle School
Saturday morning at Eastview Middle School in White Plains light breakfast was served and women of all ages from elementary school students to grandmothers gathered to hear about the new White Plains G.I.R.L.S. Academy, a collaboration between the White Plains Youth Bureau and the White Plains School District.
Twenty-five White Plains girls in grades 4 to 6 were chosen to participate in the program, which meets every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The focus is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and the purpose is to involve girls “of color” to become involved more deeply in academic pursuits.
“We want girls to see science as an opportunity rather than as a challenge,” said Raymond Tribble, director of the girl’s program as well as director of the existing boy’s academy.
There was talk about the increasing number of women leading Fortune 500 companies.
“Do you know what GM is?” asked School Superintendent Timothy Connors. “It is General Motors, a car company, and a woman heads it up,” he said.
“When you look in the mirror every day, I want you to know you are beautiful, that you are special,” Connors told a rapt audience. “You can be anything you want to be. You need to dream and you need to have an education. You need to get your high school diploma and you need to have a plan to reach your dreams,” Connors continued.
Students in the STEM program are encouraged to take advanced placement (AP) classes in high school and think through to college.
There were several women with doctorates in the room the young girls could relate to and they were encouraged to do the work it takes to progress successfully throughout their academic careers to ultimately gain that doctorate.
Guest speaker Dr. Pauline Mosley a professor of Information Technology and Computer Science, told the girls that they have to discover what they are good at.
“Do this early on,” Mosley said. “You need to know what your strengths are so you can make a difference,” she emphasized.
“Don’t be swayed by what is popular and trendy,” Mosley further advised.
Statistics show that by Middle School most girls lose interest in math and science.
“Dispel the myth that boys are better and that boys dominate in the science field,” Mosley continued. “Innovators are not swayed.”
Krista Andrade, a student at the academy, spoke about her initial fears when entering the program a few months back and how she now realizes she has developed leadership skills.
Liza Tuck, the academy’s program coordinator talked about the important role parents play in their children’s development. “You are the root and the rock,” Tuck said.
Tuck also noted that uniforms would be supplied for students attending the program – special polo shirts and skirts.
Paul Giordano, a PGA member, and program director for The First Tee, spoke about the benefits of golf for training in life skills.
The First Tee program is also offered to students as a way to advance their ability to interact socially, a skill Giordano said helps people advance in the field of business.
