University Relations

First woman in space joins with UCCS to promote science

Sally Ride, America’s first woman in space, will touch down at UCCS Sept. 13 to inspire local girls to dig into hands-on science at the Sally Ride Science Festival.

The festival, which is open to the public, runs from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Sept. 13 on campus. Ride, the festival’s keynote speaker, is currently president and CEO of Sally Ride Science, an innovative science content company dedicated to fueling students’ interests in science, math and technology.

The Sally Ride Science Festival, in partnership with The Partnership in Innovative Preparation for Educators and Students at UCCS, will bring together hundreds of upper elementary and middle school girls, parents and teachers for a day of science and socializing. The festival will feature an inspiring talk by Ride and discovery workshops for girls given by local scientists and engineers. While girls learn how to extract DNA from a strawberry, take apart a computer, and search for signs of life on other planets, parents and teachers can attend workshops on ways to support girls’ interests in science and math. The festival also includes a street fair with hands-on activities, booths, food and music.

Northrop Grumman Foundation is a national sponsor of Sally Ride Science Festivals. Additional sponsorship is generously provided by ConocoPhillips.

The cost of the festival is $18 and advance registration is required. The registration fee includes the featured talk, workshops, lunch and the street fair. Scholarships are available. For more information contact Sally Ride Science at 1-800-561-5161 or visit www.sallyridescience.com/festivals.