In collaboration with STEM DuPage, College of DuPage is pleased to host the inaugural Women in STEM: SPARK workshop for middle school girls* and their parent/caregiver. Explore hands-on activities, participate in a design challenge, and hear from women in the STEM fields, all while building connections with like-minded peers.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Homeland Security Education Center (HEC)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$20 per child (limited space; registration required)
This event is geared toward middle school girls* enrolled in a public, private, charter,
or home school in DuPage County and their parent/caregiver (One adult per child).
How to Register
Due to limited space, pre-registration for this event is required. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The cost to attend this event is $20 per child participant (parent/caregiver attends for free). This fee is used to offset the cost of lunch and materials. Scholarships are available for those with financial need; call (630) 942-2208 to inquire.
The registration link will be available online soon. You do not need to apply to College of DuPage to register for Continuing Education classes.
2024 Tentative Agenda
- 8:30 a.m. Registration/Ice breakers
- 9 a.m. Welcome
- 9:15 a.m. Breakout Session 1
- 10 a.m. Breakout Session 2
- 10:45 a.m. Breakout Session 3
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch and Career Panel
- 12:30 p.m. Design Challenge Introduction
- 12:45 p.m. Design, Build, and Test
- 2:15 p.m. Showcase
- 2:45 p.m. Awards/Evaluation and Wrap Up
For ADA accommodations, email access@cod.edu with the event title in the subject line and your accommodation request. Please email two weeks in advance.
Why a Parent/Daughter Workshop?
Solving the world’s most pressing problems requires imagination and innovation, but
the lack of women — particularly those who have been historically marginalized — in
STEM professions leaves out an important part of the equation. Furthermore, research
shows young girls’ interest in STEM starts to wane during middle school.
Parents/caregivers play a vital role in developing and maintaining their daughters’
STEM interests. Yet, many parents feel unequipped to educate their daughters in these
subjects and expose them to these fields. This parent-daughter workshop encourages
family learning, helps fill that gap and is a great introduction to get both parents
and girls excited about STEM.
The event is designed to spark curiosity and help young girls develop their STEM identity
through exposure to STEM role models, parental support and mentoring, and confidence-building
activities.
*The COD Women in STEM Initiative aims to provide an affirming and equitable environment
for all employees, volunteers, and workshop participants. Our Women in STEM programs
are designed to serve those who identify as girls and welcome people who identify
as non-binary or gender nonconforming who wish to be in a female-identified environment.
Photo and Video Policy
Attendees at COD Women in STEM Events agree to allow College of DuPage and its official photographers and videographers to photograph them in the context of the conference. Footage captured by COD's official photographers may be used in future print and electronic promotional and archival materials. Per speaker contract stipulations, not all events will allow photography and/or video recording.