This year the Piasa Area Council of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will again present a GEMS - Girls Empowered by Math and Science Conference for girls in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. This includes girls from schools and districts in Calhoun, Greene, Macoupin, and Madison Counties and East St. Louis.

The Program was initiated after an AAUW Educational Foundation funded study, "Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America" revealed that girls in elementary school show aptitude and interest in math and science, but tend to fall behind in theses areas in middle school. AAUW wants girls to continue to both value and excel in math and science.

GEMS Mission:
To provide young women an educational opportunity to learn about careers in mathematics, science and technology;
To increase young women's interest in mathematics, science and technology; and
To encourage and promote young women's continuing involvement in mathematics, science and technology courses in high school and college.

GEMS Sponsors
• American Association of University Women – Piasa Area Council(Alton, Jerseyville, Wood River & SIUE Branches)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Edwardsville Area Alumnae Chapter)

Past Contributors
• Alton Community Service League
• Alton Memorial Hospital
• Alton Unit School District # 11
• The Bank of Edwardsville
• Edwardsville Unit School District #7
• Farmers State Bank
• The Jane Henry Charitable Trust
• Dr. Jeffrey A. and Mr. Joel W. Jungers
• Lewis & Clark Community College
• Madison Co. Regional Superintendent
• Macoupin, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin ROE 40 Regional Superintendent
• The Monticello College Foundation
• Mr. and Mrs. Bill Smith