What's a Girl to Do? … With Math, That Is.

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KIMBERLY MANIS, 17, a high school senior in Flushing, N.Y., knows exactly what to do with math, her favorite subject. In March, Kimberly received a Prudential Spirit of Community Award for her efforts to change teen girls' attitudes toward math. Kimberly was concerned that by the time girls reach middle school, their interest in math drops compared to boys' interest. Girls who take themselves out of the math equation are not likely to go after high-paying engineering, scientific, and other math-related careers.

"In elementary school, everyone tended to be equal when it came to math," Kimberly told Career World. "But as we approached junior high school, I noticed that a lot of my friends were becoming less interested in math and found it boring or useless."

Kimberly created a "program in a box"--lessons designed to encourage middle school girls to study math and to consider math-related careers. She tested the program on more than 200 seventh-graders. "We discussed the students' beliefs about math and careers available through math. I passed around pictures and biographies of successful women in math careers," she says. Kimberly then explained how to prepare for different math-related careers.

Before the lesson began, Kimberly gave each student a survey with questions such as "Would you consider a career involving math?"

"After the lesson, I asked the students to fill out the same survey again," says Kimberly. "I found that a large number of the students, especially girls, changed their minds about math and math careers." Kimberly is personally setting a good example for other girls. She plans to attend Columbia University to fulfill her dream: becoming an engineer.

PHOTO (COLOR): Kimberly Manis helps girls learn about math careers.