The EYH Network, (formerly the Math/Science Network) started in 1974 as an informal group of women scientists and educators in the San Francisco Bay Area who were concerned about low female participation in math courses. They began planning coordinated efforts to strengthen their individual programs and establish mutual support on a volunteer basis.

EYH conferences are almost entirely volunteer led and there are many opportunities for adults to volunteer doing many different tasks.  General conference volunteers play important roles and they often serve on conference planning committees, and perform duties such as helping with EYH conference registration,  working on facility details, assisting with conference fundraising and performing other tasks.  Other volunteers lead hands-on workshops and even start their own conferences.

Why volunteer?

Do you remember, when you were a young girl:

• Not being encouraged – maybe even being actively discouraged – from careers that use science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills?
• Or, maybe you had a different experience. Did you interact with a special adult (or even several) who made you believe you could succeed in STEM, no matter what anyone else told you?
• How exciting and rewarding it was to learn about new STEM careers and realize that a STEM-focused career would be rewarding and would pay well?

Volunteer with EYH to make it easier for today’s young women.

We encourage young women to learn about and then pursue a wide variety of STEM careers:

• Girls attend EYH conferences (our flagship program) — (usually) one-day events jam-packed with engaging hands-on activities and useful career information.
• At the conferences, they take part in hands-on STEM workshops led by professional women who work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.

EYH conferences have lasting impacts…

…on girls who do ultimately pursue STEM careers – and on other girls, too. The EYH conferences:

• Encourage some young women who go on to become full-fledged STEM professionals.
• Inform girls that there are many varied possible STEM careers (that are enjoyable, pay well and contribute to society).
• Overcome prejudices that some girls may have about women who work in STEM. Conferences demonstrate by example that these women are interesting, admirable, creative people who are active and fulfilled at work and in their personal lives.
• Educate girls that STEM courses are increasingly important in preparing them for many careers, including many that they and others don’t think use math and science.
• Expand the horizons of some girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, encouraging them to raise their sights and expectations and to consider STEM or STEM-related careers.
• Increase girls’ comfort levels with and interest in STEM, so that they are more likely to be confident users of STEM products and services in their everyday lives.