Girls on outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science (GALS) is a free summer program for high school girls from underrepresented groups in STEM to learn science while backpacking. GALS is led by graduate students in STEM who serve as role models for the girls. For most participants, this is their first experience interacting with female scientists and their first time exploring science outside of the classroom. GALS participants spend 10 days in the backcountry learning about the ecology, earth science, and chemistry of their surroundings through hands-on lessons. The program culminates with an individual research investigation, which is presented to family, friends, and scientists on the final day of the program.
We are looking to expand the program to other states by establishing partnerships with other universities and/or organizations that would be interested in hosting a GALS program. If you are interested in starting a GALS partner program, please e-mail Jacqueline Gerson at jacqueline.ger...@duke.edu. For more information about GALS, please check out our website at sites.duke.edu/gals.
