SISTER Program, An Inspiration For The Next Generation

It is time again for Goddard to welcome a chosen group of talented 12 and 13 year olds for a week of fun, excitement and inspiration. Known as the SISTER Program (Summer Institute In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research), this select group of middle school girls will have the opportunity to experience the unique environment of Goddard. The week of activities, June 23-27, offers an opportunity for them to gain NASA mission experiences and information while inspiring their interest in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

Begun at Goddard in 1978, this annual event has increased the awareness of past participants providing them an opportunity to be exposed to and explore nontraditional career fields with Goddard women engineers, mathematicians, scientists, technicians, and researchers. The program is a joint effort of the Equal Opportunity Program Office (EOPO) and the Education Office at Goddard.

Terri Patterson, Coordinator for SISTER 2003

"We want to give the girls a week of fun, inspiration and a feeling that someone cares about their future," said Terri Patterson, coordinator for SISTER 2003.

SISTER participants are selected from a pool of applications. Anyone in the country can apply but most participants come from the surrounding because they must cover their transportation and lodging costs. These are young women who have been recognized for their aptitude in Math, Science, and Technology.

The objectives of the program include introducing young women to a technical working environment; acquainting students with Goddard missions; providing an awareness of educational programs and internships available during high school, undergraduate and graduate study; providing observations and experiences with real hands-on projects researched and developed by women at Goddard; affording each participant role models; and enlightening participants in the technological advances at work today and tomorrow.

Lolita Adgeson, a 1984 participant said the program had a major impact on her career choices. She said the program opened her eyes to other career fields occupied by women. She has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science and a Masters in Criminology. For Abigail Thompson, a 1996 participant, the program was a motivational experience. "I was motivated to participate in science programs and it made me want to take more science and technology classes."

During a week of daily activities participants will have the opportunity to talk with women scientists, engineers, technicians, researchers, and mathematicians. There will be women entrepreneur role models for the girls to talk with as well as women presenting their multicultural experiences. The girls will be given an opportunity for hands-on experiences to include building and launching rockets, an opportunity to have an oral and written communication experience, and interpersonal and human relations skills building.

"We are proud to have this program," said Dillard Menchan, Chief of EOPO. "We know we have reached them (SISTER participants) at the right time. They will think about this experience for a long time," said Menchan. He added that when you see the people who have done it already and the role model looks like you; it is a definite confidence builder that you can do it too.