Third Year Of Demonstrating To Young Women That The Sky Is Not The Limit

The two-day Women's Soar program, July 22-23, now in its third year, is seeing changes that will make it better than ever for ninth through twelfth-grade young women this year, according to EAA Vice President of Development Elissa Lines.

In addition to having mentors work with the young women to expose them to career opportunities in math, science, and technology, reported The Northwestern, the program will begin with a challenge course on EAA grounds.

"That is really important because a lot of girls come in groups," said Lines, "and this works to break down cliques."

That challenge course will also include program mentors, allowing for the development of immediate bonds between participants and mentors.

Among the mentors selected for this year's event are Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer, USAF Major Jill Long, and Judith Rice, deputy director of aerospace education for the Civil Air Patrol.

Major Long, 40, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently an instructor pilot, is a returning mentor; this is her third summer.

"There are so few opportunities for kids, girls in particular, to meet people that have done things that are unfortunately still out of the ordinary for the ordinary girl," Long said. "This is one of those things that provides them with this opportunity so it's important to support it."

Long said she always knew she was interested in military aviation and so she focused on that goal; having a career in aviation isn't easy, she said, but she loves it.

"I always wanted to be a fighter pilot."

Long said she loves what she does because it's challenging.

"If someone likes challenges, this is a great job for them. It's exciting and there is never a dull moment when you are flying."

She said she also likes what she does because she gets to support America.

"Most of all, I get to come to work every day and I get to do what I love and get paid for it," Long said. "Not many people can say that."

In addition to military careers, Lines said, Women Soar program participants will learn from women who work in business, engineering, government services, education, and science.

Three breakout sections will give all participants the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of different fields.

"We are very focused on what impact we can deliver of those two days to create a great experience for the girls," Lines said.

Last year about 90 girls participated in Women Soar. This year, Lines hopes to have 150 participants.

Registration for the two-day event is $10 (scholarships are available). The registration fee includes Sunday dinner, breakfast, and lunch on Monday, along with an optional overnight camping experience coordinated by the Girl Scouts.

For more information on Women Soar at Airventure 2007, call 800-236-1025 or visit the Web site.

FMI: www.airventure.org