The University of South Alabama recently welcomed approximately 250 middle school girls from more than 40 area schools during the Expanding Your Horizons conference—a hands-on conference designed to increase young women’s interest in math, science, and engineering.

	"TAR WARS"-- Dr. Thomasina Sharpe, director of USA Student Health Services, explains the hazards of smoking to local middle school students Katie Reynolds of Mobile Christian and Danielle Goosby of Phillips Prepatory School during the 2004 Expand Your Horizons Conference. More than 250 middle schools girls from 40 area schools participated in this year's conference, which promotes math, science and engineering careers.

Hosted by the USA Women in Science, the conference featured 36 different hands-on workshops that were assisted by more than 23 faculty members and 100 students from USA. Area teachers, businesses and organizations have also volunteered for the daylong event.

Expanding Your Horizons is a national program developed by the Math/Science Network. It is designed to involve young women who have limited access to positive math/science experiences, foster their awareness of career opportunities in scientific and technical fields, and provide them with role models who are active in scientific and technical careers.

Funding for the conference was made possible by The J.L. Bedsole Foundation, USA Women in Science, Alabama Space Grant Consortium, NASA, Society of Women Engineers, Ford Foundation, USA colleges and departments, Syngenta, Mary J. Larkins Charitable Foundation, and VWR Scientific.