Columbus, IN— Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus is hosting a one day Tech Savvy Conference to encourage and build interest for girls in grades 6-9 in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program opens the door to experiences and offers information that directs girls on a pathway of success in their chosen careers. The event will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Columbus Learning Center.

The event includes hands-on sessions such as:

• The Doctor is In | Learn how to diagnose what ails a patient. Don’t worry if you make a mistake. The patient is a robot!
• Wearable Tech | Design and create your own electronic fashions.
  Be the first person on your block to sew a circuit!  
• Fast… Like A Girl | Learn what it takes to be first on the race day with pointers from a female racecar driver and an up-close experience with racing equipment. 
• Dream it! Design it! | It’s not only in your dreams! Make your designs come to life with technology. 
• Techno Music | You did not bring an instrument with you? That’s okay. We’ll help you create your own music with technology!
• Game Time | Love to play video games? Find out how much you will enjoy playing a game YOU design and create!
• Keeping it Real: Digital Smarts & Your Digital Footprint | Learn create smart searches and improve your digital footprint
• The Science of YOU | Understand yourself and what careers you might enjoy through scientific surveys and interactive activities.   
• Fun Health for Healthy Brain | Discover fun activities that will keep you on the path of a well-functioning mind and body 
• Who Runs the World:  Find the Leader in You | Explore your leadership styles and skills to become a "great leader!" 

Parents are encouraged to attend. A special session for parents and guardians is titled College Corner. The session demonstrates the step-by-step process related to a child’s path to college and their career.

Columbus resident, Elise Foster, Leadership Coach and Consultant and co-author of The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools will welcome conference attendees and jumpstart the day's activities.  Lyn St. James, the first female Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, will conclude with a special closing message.

The cost to attend is $5 for students and $10 for parents and includes lunch and snacks at the event. To registration, go to http://goo.gl/forms/ktjfRahMhP.

The event is co-sponsored by American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Praxair. Additional information about the AAUW Tech Savvy can be found at http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/stem-education/tech-savvy/.

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