Join us This Saturday at EIS!
We can hardly wait for tomorrow’s Open House and Science and Art Expo right here in Southeast San Diego. Join us Saturday August 12, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
o Drone Flying Demos
o EIS Tours
o Be That Girl Information Table
o Live Music
o And more!
Thank you to our Program Staff, Board member Beto Vasquez, CREATE at UCSD and our awesome interns and volunteers who will make this event so much fun!.
Girls Take Flight at the Droning On Conference
On July 22nd, Girls Take Flight had the amazing opportunity to bring light to the disparity of women in the drone field at an FAA convention hosted at California State University, Fullerton. “Droning On” is a convention hosted each year in different regions around the US and the theme this year focused on programs for students K-8 and Higher Education. We were able to seize the opportunity of its close location to present on a panel, along with two alumnae and our drone instructor Desi Ekstein called “Gender Equity in Aviation and Drones”.
The panel presented about the need for diversity in the drone industry. Desi led with ideas on how we can effectively involve women and get young girls excited about aviation. The audience was very receptive to the panel, especially when the Girls Take Flight alumna and current members echoed Desi’s sentiments about representation and reframing the language to apply to girls in an inclusive way – one that welcomes them to try new things in a male-dominated field. Some of the audience members asked the girls their opinions on how to inspire more young girls, and each panelist responded confidently with their own thoughtful insight.
Alumnae Shyanne and Lee spoke about their involvement with drones post Girls Take Flight, and the huge impact it had on them – not only exposing them to opportunities with drones but the confidence and professionalism they gained throughout the program. Current students, Sophia and Jennifer, shared about the program’s structure and how, despite having no prior knowledge of drones, they felt welcomed and supported throughout drone camp and the practicum. In addition, members of the 2023 cohort traveled to CSU Fullerton to take in the networking opportunities at “Droning On” and support the GTF panel.
When asked about the convention’s highlights and memorable moments the students shared:
“I enjoyed the hands-on presentations like Drone Soccer and how to get involved with other pilots.”
“My favorite part was seeing the audience so engaged and ask us questions at the end.”
On behalf of Girls Take Flight, we are grateful to the FAA and “Droning On” for allowing us the opportunity to come share about our program.
Team up with EIS for San Diego Gives
What if we all gave back to our San Diego County community on one day?
With the help of San Diego Gives, we can! On Thursday, September 7th, our community will come together for 24 hours of unprecedented collective philanthropy through San Diego Gives. By contributing, you are joining the movement to support quality STEM education for southeastern San Diego. We can also help you get connected to curated volunteer opportunities. Help strengthen and support San Diego County nonprofits like ours.
From elementary to high school, EIS is here for local youth! Starting August 17th, join us at https://www.sandiegogives.org/organization/Elementary-Institute-Of-Science
Have you participated in programs or volunteered at the Elementary Institute of Science?
Whether you’re still in high school, college, working or retired, we want to know what you’ve been up to and if you have thoughts about any impact EIS had on your life or career. Please send an email to our Development Assistant, Leah Oviedo at loviedo@eisca.org.
EIS alumni are invited to join our official group to reconnect and stay updated on future reunions. Facebook.com/groups/AlumniConnectEIS