SouthArkansas University issued a press release touting the success of its STEM program for 6th grade girls, as well as thanking speakers and sponsors for the event.
The release states, "The goal of the 14th annual Girls Learning About Math and Science (GLAMS) conference was to inspire sixth-grade girls to carefully consider high school and college paths in math, science, technology and engineering by introducing them to women in STEM careers. The conference was held on February 23, 2024 at South Arkansas College (SouthArk).
"Over 150 students from Union and Ouachita counties attended this year's event, representing seven public and private school districts in South Arkansas. A conference of this magnitude requires support from the entire community. We are so appreciative of local business and community leaders who supported the conference by allowing their employees to spend the day with us as volunteers and team leaders. We also thank our more than 80 community and school members, including six El Dorado High School students, who donated their day serving as team leaders and other volunteers, ensuring that the conference was a success.
"GLAMS had the most talented break-out speakers this year from Standard Lithium, LTD; Aerojet Rocketdyne; Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Livestock & Poultry; Lockheed Martin; Parker Brands, LLC; South Arkansas College; Roseburg Forest Products; South Arkansas Medical Association (SAMA); First Financial Bank; Beauregard Home Health; Lapis Energy; Entergy Arkansas; Hope Landing; Arkansas Game & Fish Commission; Delek US; Michael Rogers Designs, LLC; Pafford Air One; Rhodes Mobile Veterinarian; El Dorado School District Wildcat Wellness Program; ProMed Ambulance; Arkansas Department of Health; Lanxess; and Clean Harbors Environmental Services. Hands-on breakout sessions included topics on surgical technology, large animal veterinary science, sustainable materials, rocket science, architecture, occupational therapy, and emergency medical services, to name a few.
" We also thank businesses who donated swag items for attendees: Amercable; Arkansas Energy Rocks; Arkansas Game & Fish; Arkansas Saves; Arkansas Welcome Center; El Dorado NewsTimes; El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce; Entergy Arkansas; First Financial Bank; Garver; Hepco; Lanxess; Main Street El Dorado; Murphy Arts District (MAD); Roseburg; South Arkansas College; SAMA; South Arkansas Regional Hospital; and Standard Lithium.
"The GLAMS Conference was made possible by the support of donors Martha McCarty Wells, Entergy Arkansas, Garver, and the Union County Community Foundation. It is hosted through a partnership with the El Dorado Education Foundation, El Dorado School District, South Arkansas College, and the Union County Community Foundation.
"Most importantly, a thank you to our GLAMS committee who believe in the power of education and project-based learning: Alice Mahony, Ashley Dougan, Ashley Holt, Caroline Callaway, Carolyn Smith, Chelsey Turner, Cheryl Patterson, Chris Wasson, Christy Wilson, Greg Withrow, Janice McIntyre, Jean Hadley, Jennifer Schroeder, Jenny Sanders, Jody Vines, LaBreshianna Hicks, Lauri Wilson, Lila Phillips, Marsha Snell, Mary Kate Sumner, Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez, Sylvia Thompson, Vernita Morgan, Veronica Creer and Victoria Bennett.
" For more information about GLAMS, visit https://www.southark.edu/about/why-choosesouthark/campus-events/glams or contact Christy Wilson at 870-864-8413."