PR2016 Jul 18

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2016

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Media and Communication, 205.391.2959

mediacom@sheltonstate.edu

SHELTON STATE’S SHYWANDA MOORE SPEAKS AT GIRLS IMPACT

Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Shywanda Moore, math instructor at Shelton State Community College (SSCC), served as a speaker/mentor for Girls IMPACT on Friday, July 1 at the Bessemer Public Library in Bessemer, Alabama. Girls IMPACT is designed to build girls’ confidence in mathematics, increase awareness of STEM-related career paths, and establish mentoring relationships with women who are STEM professionals.

Moore, now in her sixth year at Shelton State, currently teaches math and statistics. She views her participation with Girls IMPACT as significant. “It was one of the best things I have ever done,” said Moore.

As a child from a single, teen-aged-parent home, Moore “was never expected to be more than her surroundings dictated.” The encouragement she received from individuals throughout her own life affects her participation in programs like Girls IMPACT. “I jump on every opportunity to speak to high school students about where life could take them if they work hard. With these young ladies, the entry into the STEM fields provides limitless options for careers and life. I am happy I was able to give them just a small glimpse into what awaits them in the future if they choose the STEM path.”

Girls IMPACT is a grant-funded partnership between SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program, the Bessemer Public Library, and the Tying Ties Mentoring Program directed by SREB Doctoral Scholar, Dr. Shawanda Thomas. The partnership was created to encourage minority girls ages 12 to 16 to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers and to expose them to women who work in STEM-related fields.

For more information about STEM related courses and opportunities at Shelton State, visit sheltonstate.edu.

# # #