Photo M.E. Perez

Project Exploration’s ninth annual Girls’ Health and Science Day, held on March 26, 2009, brought together 98 Chicago Public School girls in grades 7-10 for a one-day conference on health, bodies, and relationships.

The conference was attended by girls from ACE Technical Charter School, Amundsen High School, Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, Perspectives Charter School-Calumet Campus, Perspectives Charter School-Rodney D. Joslin Campus, Reavis Elementary School, Telpochcalli Elementary School, and Young Women’s Leadership Charter School.

This year’s event had an outstanding impact on the girls and adults in attendance: 96% of the girls agreed that Girls’ Health and Science Day provided them with medically accurate information, equipped them with information to make healthy decisions, and created a space that was comfortable and safe. 

The annual conference developed by girls, for girls, was inspired by Project Exploration’s Sisters4Science after-school program when we were told in 2000, "It is important for all girls to know about themselves. It is important to learn from experts. A lot of girls don’t have support for their concerns or a chance to learn."

Marvinetta Woodley-Penn, executive director and founder of Global Girls, kicked off the day with a motivational keynote address on the importance of seeking knowledge to make informed decisions.  Each girl then attended five workshops on the topics of sexuality and tolerance, healthy relationships, self-worth, the female body, and self-defense. The student workshops were presented by About Face Theatre, Between Friends, Reel Beauty , Sisters Talking About Respect (S.T.A.R.), and Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self-Defense Center.

In addition to the student workshops, Girls’ Health and Science Day provided a professional development track for 18 adults who work with girls, facilitated by Jessica Palmert, program director of the Chicago Girls Coalition and Stephanie Holifield. In this Adult Track, teachers and youth workers discussed meaningful and engaging methods for working with traumatized youth.

According to one participant, the Adult Track helped teachers “discuss relevant topics that are connected to the work we do every day and how to relate these topics and discussions to young women.” Another teacher appreciated “learning all the different challenges girls face.”
 
Project Exploration’s Girls’ Health and Science Day and Services for Girls are made possible with the support of numerous individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Thank you to all the enthusiastic students, teachers, conference facilitators, and volunteers who helped make Girls’ Health and Science Day a huge success!