Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

AAUW supports promoting and strengthening science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, especially for girls and underrepresented populations.

Math Buddies

Contact: Barbara Van Itallie, Chair
initiative.aauw.poughkeepsie@gmail.com

Volunteers are returning to the schools!  Contact Chair.

Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW is pleased to partner with Literacy Connections on the initiative, Math Buddies. The program is modeled after Literacy Connection’s very successful Book Buddies where volunteers go into elementary school to assist children with reading.

Math Buddies work in grades one through five in local schools helping struggling students with their math skills. Volunteers work one-on-one with the students or with groups in the classroom, as specifically directed by the classroom teacher. Volunteers typically offer about one hour per week although there is often flexibility in scheduling. Potential volunteers need not be math or elementary teachers and should not be concerned about any new approaches to math since the material is very basic. This is an extremely rewarding experience since offering any extra help in both math and confidence-building is particularly needed.

Please contact Barbara for more information on how to get started!!

Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW STEM Award
April 6, 2024, Dutchess Community College

AAUW members Bonnie Auchincloss, Vicki Greenberg and Amy Matts attended the Dutchess County Regional Science Fair on Saturday April 6, 2024 where they judged projects by enthusiastic 7th and 8th grade girls for a special award and a $50 gift certificate.

The 7th grade award winner was Nidhi Pandya (left). Her well-designed experiment investigated whether radish seedlings could prevent soil erosion.

The 8th grade winner was Aanya Shah (below). Her timely project investigated the stability of structures during  earthquakes.  She constructed a model from K’nex on a platform that could be shaken, simulating an earthquake. She then measured the swaying of the structure with and without shock absorbers and applied weights. Congratulations to the young scientists.

From National AAUW

Where we stand: STEM Education
The Stem Gap

To contribute to this effort select More Information and Donation Forms.