Area sixth-grade students can participate in the GLAMS (Girls Learning About Math and Science) conference each spring at South Arkansas College.

GLAMS' hands-on workshops and breakout sessions in science, technology, engineering, and math are designed to provide participants with fun ways to learn practical information. The conference is free to qualifying 6th-grade boys and girls chosen through participating school districts. Students will receive snacks and lunch, T-shirts, and other take-home items.

The program intends to "introduce students to successful area professionals working in math, science, and technology-related fields and to provide these students with real-life examples of achievement in such careers," according to project co-chair Alice Mahony, vice-president and co-founder of the El Dorado Education Foundation. The hope is that GLAMS will inspire sixth graders to carefully consider future courses before high school as they become more familiar with science- and math-based professions.

Over 150 sixth-graders from six different schools attended the GLAMS conference in 2024, with more than 28 session speakers ranging from a Helicopter Flight Nurse to a Large Animal Veterinarian to a Sustainable Consultant for Consumer Packaged Goods.

Written feedback received from the participants indicated that the project's aim hit its mark. Among many other favorable reviews, students wrote:

• "I think GLAMS is so fun, and it really has shown me how empowering women can be."

• "What I learned was to never give up."

• "I like the inclusion that the program had."

• "The challenge taught me to fail and to try harder to succeed."

• "I like that we were with different people. It made me less shy."

• "I want to prove to guys at my school that I can do stuff just like they can!"

GLAMS is brought to you through a partnership with South Arkansas College, the El Dorado Education Foundation, the El Dorado School District, the Union County Community Foundation, and Entergy Arkansas.

For more information contact:
Christy Wilson
870-864-8413
email