After-School Club Thinks Actuaries are Gems
Last year, Gail Green started a new club at Keller Junior High School – GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science).
The club held once a week after school for seventh- and eighth-grade girls, was started with a $250 grant from the Schaumburg Township Elementary School Foundation.
The club received publicity in the newspapers, which often cited studies showing that females aren't interested in science-related careers next to pictures of the Keller girls conducting experiments.
As a result of that publicity the Actuarial Foundation asked Green to apply for one of its grants, and she received a two-year grant for $13,100.
"My first day back from break I got a call saying 'We are giving you everything you asked for,' " Green said.
In addition, four female actuaries have spoken to the 20 student members and assisted at club meetings.
Green and Kim Genz, the club's co-sponsors, will use the money to purchase equipment (including lap-tops and robotic equipment) and take the students on after-school field trips. The students work on projects involving bacteria and robotics.
The Actuarial Foundation is funded by the Society of Actuaries and contributions from individuals, corporations and organizations that support research, education and communication initiatives leveraging actuarial science and skills in the public interest.
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