Eighth-graders from throughout Arkansas participated in Girls in the Middle, a new program that encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.

“Research indicates that even extremely able young women often opt out of STEM careers because they have not had the opportunity to develop a sense of belongingness to their field,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education.

Developing career awareness and opportunities to explore the disciplines early and meet other adolescent girls with similar interests are important steps in reversing the trend, Robinson said.

Girls in the Middle was started to meet the needs of girls who are highly advanced academically and who are interested in STEM disciplines.

“It’s an exciting new adventure,” Robinson said.

Established in 2001, the UALR Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education serves as a community resource for talented youths, their families, school districts, and state education officials. It is only one of 25 such centers nationwide.

Through the Girls in the Middle program, about 20 girls visited the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock on Saturday as part of a collaboration with the museum and the Mahony Center for a STEM scavenger hunt and Tesla coil show. This informal learning experience prepared them to design their own unique interactive museum exhibits at UALR. At the end of the day, the girls presented and showcased their designs in teams.

“We had an absolutely wonderful day on Saturday,” Robinson said. “It was a great experience for us, for the girls, and for their families.”

The girls who attended the program were all Duke-TIP Talent Search students for 2015. Girls who attended the Arkansas Duke-TIP Recognition Ceremony in May 2015 and participated in a STEM Scholars Day session were eligible for Girls in the Middle.

Girls in the Middle was funded through a grant from the  Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE).