The Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering program was launched in 1998 by a group of 16 women who wanted to encourage school-age girls to pursue careers in science, math and engineering. Chapters of Graduate Women in Science, Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Association of Women in Science worked with the San Diego County Office of Education to find financial assistance from local businesses and foundations. The girls are chosen on the basis of essays they write. Each girl is given a science book on the subject of the night's adventure. A second copy of the book is given to the girl's school library as a donation from that girl.
Teachers enroll in a series of after-school seminars at the facilities.
Joy Wochenske, a consultant with WestEd Regional Consortium, works with the San Diego Science Alliance on special events and web site development.