EYH Geneva
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. | Is there a registration fee? Yes. There is a small registration fee of CHF 10.-- to cover all workshops, the career fair and lunch. You can pay your registration fee when you pick up your conference packet. This is less than the price of a movie ticket, for a full day of exciting activities, lunch and prizes. The student fee is CHF 10.-- each, The family rate is CHF 15.-- for 2 or more people, so, you can come with your sister(s) for that price or just you and your mom and dad for CHF 10.--. We thank our sponsors for their financial support. |
| 2. | What happens if I have to cancel my registration? If you can no longer attend the conference after having registered, please let us know by sending us an email at eyhgeneva@expandingyourhorizons.org. |
| 3. | Why is there a need for special conferences just for girls? EU research has shown that women made up only 29% of those employed as scientists and engineers in 2004, and the growth rate in their participation between 1998 and 2004 was lower than that of men. In Switzerland, less than 5% of mechanical engineers are women and only about 15% of women are in IT fields. For girls to be prepared for the 21st century, we must address this early, when they are deciding on what subjects to study in school. |
| 4. | What type of workshops are held? Each EYH conference features active participation workshops which cover maths, science and engineering activities led by women mathematicians, scientists and engineers. During the workshops, young women learn that studying math and science can be fun! They participate in interesting experiments, discover new career options and learn about the importance of studying math and science as much as possible in school. By using local volunteers to lead workshops, girls meet with mathematicians, engineers and scientists who live and work in their own communities, who serve as role models at the conference, and who may serve as possible mentors in the future. Additionally a career fair will give everyone an opportunity to speak with woman applying their passion for the sciences in their careers. |
| 5. | When does registration open? Conference and workshop registration opens October 1st 2011. Space is limited and the conference may fill quickly. We encourage you to register early. |
| 6. | How do I register my daughter(s) for the conference? Registration is available online via the Conference Registration link on the EYH home page or www.expandingyourhorizons.org/conferences/Geneva Each girl will have the opportunity to select 3 workshops they would like to attend. On the day of the conference each girl will attend 2 workshops and the career fair as the 3rd workshop. |
| 7. | What if we cannot afford the registration fee? Scholarships are available. Please contact eyhgeneva@expandingyourhorizons.org to request a scholarship. |
| 8. | Where is the University of Geneva? The address of the Science II & III buildings of the University of Geneva is: Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30 1205 Genève All attendees are encouraged to take public transportation. |
| 9. | Can my son or young daughter attend the event? The event is only open to girls between the ages of 11 and 14. |
| 10. | As a parent can I attend the workshops with my daughter? No, workshops for the girls are intended to allow them to meet women scientists, explore new subjects and discover exciting careers, along with their peers. We have an exciting series of workshops planned for parents and educators. |
| 11. | What is the dress code? Wear comfortable clothes and don’t be afraid to get messy! |
| 12. | Is food provided? Yes. Food and beverages will be available on the day. |
| 13. | What is the mission of Expanding Your Horizons? Our mission is to encourage young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Through Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Network programs, we provide STEM role models and hands-on activities for middle and high school girls. Our ultimate goal is to motivate girls to become innovative and creative thinkers ready to meet 21st Century challenges. The Network's programs are developed based on the following assumptions: In order to increase the participation of women in mathematics, science, and engineering careers, there must be an increase in the pool of qualified women. In order for young women to have the option to enter mathematics, science, and engineering careers, they need to choose to take the appropriate mathematics and science courses in high school. Intervention strategies are needed that increase the participation of girls in mathematics by nurturing enjoyment and confidence in mathematics, by connecting the value of mathematics to career opportunities, by providing career role models, and by actively encouraging girls to persevere in mathematics coursework. |