DETROIT – Wayne State University’s GO-GIRL (Gaining Options – Girls Investigate Real Life) program, designed to help girls build confidence and career awareness in STEM fields, is now accepting applications for the winter 2017 semester. Application deadline is Dec. 1.

GO-GIRL is free and open to a limited number of seventh-grade girls. The Saturday program, hosted by Wayne State’s College of Education, begins Jan. 28, 2017, and culminates with graduation ceremonies on April 1, 2017.

Girls interested in participating can submit an application online at gogirls.wayne.edu.

The winter program will allow participants to explore STEM careers and work in research teams with WSU faculty and mentors, learn how to use library and online research tools, gain academic self-confidence, explore Wayne State’s campus, and more.

Since its inception in 2002, GO-GIRL has grown from a one-time intervention to an inclusive community that supports girls throughout high school and beyond. Girls who complete the winter program are eligible to participate in additional activities, including residential summer academies, hands-on STEM workshops during the academic year and GO-GIRL gatherings.

Sally K. Roberts, assistant professor in Wayne State University’s College of Education and the GO-GIRL faculty advisor, says seventh grade is a pivotal time for girls in their experiences with math and science. “When faced with the decision to elect a more rigorous mathematics and science track, we want our girls to choose the path that opens more doors in their future.”

GO-GIRL is dedicated to offering the program at no cost to participants in order to widely recruit potentially talented girls. The program has received contributions in the past from the Michigan Department of Education, RGK Foundation, Wayne State University College of Education and many private contributors.

For more information about the program, contact Sally Roberts at [email protected].