(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Houston, May 3, 2004) A national report released by the Girl Scout Research Institute has proven what Houston Girl Scout troop leaders already knew– girls are not speaking up in class, particularly in Math and Science Class.
Forty-five percent of girls ages 13-17 considered speaking and participating in class a threat to their emotional safety, and over one-third expressed concerns about being teased, bullied or threatened during a typical school day: citing their fear of being ridiculed, bullied or threatened for expressing themselves.

“Girls deserve to have the best opportunities to pursue Math and Science careers and every fair chance they can get to develop skills that will empower them to achieve careers in space, science, engineering and architecture,” said Dorothy Goodykoontz, a Girl Scout volunteer and former troop leader. To help boost girls’ esteem and math and science knowledge, a special event–Girls Experiencing Math and Science (GEMS) will kick off June 5.

“Girls will get a chance to enhance their skills and put them on a level playing field in their classes,” said Goodykoontz, chair of the event and former head of the San Jacinto Girl Scout Council. “By 2020, many jobs will require mastery of math and science, not just proficiency. All of our GEMS activities are fun, so that before they know it, the girls will have demonstrated skills in Math and Science that they can share with their friends, and use in school.”

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council expect several thousand of girls between the ages of 5 and 17 who will participate in learning activities designed to pique their interest in math and science, and inform them of careers that require mastery of both subjects. The GEMS event will be on Saturday, June 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Reliant Center, Halls A and B. Non-Girl Scouts and their parents can attend the event, which will also feature activity booths sponsored by local companies and Girl Scout Troops. Admission is $9.00 per person, and children four years old and under are free. Girl Scout troops and non-Girl Scout teams will also be able to participate in the following competitive activities: Metric Olympics; Tower Building Using Empty Girl Scout Cookie Boxes; Puzzle Antics; Wood Block Engineering; and GEMS Jeopardy.

Girls attending GEMS will also get an up-close look at some of the equipment used by astronauts in space, participate in discussions led by professionals in math and science-driven careers. For more information about the event, or to register, visit the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s web page at www.gssjc.org.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is the premiere organization for all girls—building character, values and skills for a lifetime. As the largest Girl Scout Council in Texas, San Jacinto serves more than 58,000 girls and 14,000 adults in 21 east and southeast Texas counties. For information about joining Girl Scouts, call 1-800-392-4340 and ask for Membership, or visit us online at www.gssjc.org.

GSSJS Pluralism Statement
Embracing and promoting pluralism is an integral part of every activity and plan of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, not disconnected or separate projects. Only individuals willing to accept and be educated about the basic tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls may serve in volunteer leadership or staff positions.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council l Brand Management & Fund Development Department
3110 Southwest Freeway l Houston, TX 77098