Incorporating plenty of hands-on activities and offering girls ample opportunities to manipulate often unfamiliar equipment spur girls' enthusiasm for math and science. Internships and visits to science-related industries also increase girls' involvement in math and science. Community alliances hold promise for girls' education and achievement . Many schools have limited resources for special programs, such as those targeted toward girls. Community programs can supplement school programs, offering space, time, staff, and options.
Schools have a stake in helping girls become decisionmakers.
If a school system is to be responsive to girls' needs, girls should be encouraged to have a voice in decisions affecting them. Researchers need more data on girls from community youth programs . Many community initiatives for girls, such as those sponsored by 4-H and the Urban League, lack funding and expertise to record their efforts. Unless researchers are encouraged to collect further data from such programs, we risk losing a treasure trove of information on what's working for girls. Educators feel a growing commitment to involve girls and their families in girls' education.