The Partners Reaching Youth in Science and Math (PRYSM) program began in 2002 with a group of teachers, administrators and students from Lawrence and Roosevelt Middle School in Appleton committed to encouraging middle school girls to pursue math and science. With generous support from the Women's Fund of the Community Foundation and Lawrence University, this program's goal is to significantly and positively affect area middle school girls as well as undergraduate women at Lawrence. The PRYSM program features two distinct opportunities for Lawrence women and middle school girls to make connections with each other and foster interest and confidence in science and math.

PRYSM Partnerships: The PRYSM program partners Lawrence women undergraduates with an interest in science and/or math with 7th and 8th grade girls from Roosevelt Middle School. These partnerships are designed as one-on-one opportunities to encourage the girls in their math and science classes and help them develop self-confidence in their skills and interests. The partners meet weekly at Roosevelt and make occasional visits to area destinations of science interest.

PRYSM

GEMS: Girls Exploring Math and Science
The PRYSM program will host a GEMS day on Lawrence's campus for 7th and 8th grade girls on February 5th, 2005. The GEMS day will include several hands-on science and math workshops hosted by Lawrence faculty and students. We hope to include many area science and math teachers in this celebration day.

For more information about becoming involved with the PRYSM program please contact one of the program coordinators.

Program Coordinators:
Karen Nordell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (832-7262, karen.nordell@lawrence.edu)