In this paper we provide a detailed account of how to implement a peer role model (PRM) program similar to the one that we developed at San Diego State University (SDSU) to broaden participation of college women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In particular, we summarize our findings of the PRM program's best practices,…

Research investigating the learning and career transitions of those disadvantaged in the labour market has resulted in the development of a four-component model to enable disadvantaged groups to navigate learning and career transitions. The four components of the model include: the self-concept; learning and recognition; career and life planning;…

The number of women veterans attending college is increasing. This suggests that campus professionals need to become aware of how issues associated with mental health, sexual assault, and gender identity may influence how women veterans make the transition into the higher education environment. This chapter addresses the special needs of women…

Offers an interview with Catherine Comet, music director of the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Symphony. Reviews her childhood and early study in France and her experiences at the Julliard School of Music and on the contest circuit. Explains how she became a professional conductor. Discusses Comet's view of the importance that classical music can have…

These interviews, conducted during the 1976-77 and 1977-78 school years by a group of students from the Rochester City School District, present 5 men and 24 women in a variety of career roles that are neither traditional nor stereotypical. The people interviewed speak of the reasons for their choices and of their background of family support. Many…

Discusses the use of career self-efficacy theory in counseling individuals having low career-related self-efficacy. Begins by presenting diagram of Bandura's model of perceived self-efficacy and then goes on to discuss its implications for counseling. Focuses on how society may alter women's career choices and women's socialization in relation to…

Describes how to use biographies of successful women politicians to provide career role models for elementary school girls. The biographies of Margaret Chase Smith, Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, and Juanita Kreps are recommended as resources for career education. (AM)

The lives of six prominent female leaders (Sandra Day O'Connor, Maya Angelou, Wilma Mankiller, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Elizabeth Dole, and Mary Kay Ash) are summarized. Similarities are noted and questions and activities provided to encourage discussion by teachers and students. (DB)

Nine women whose lives have contributed to West Virginia history are profiled in these collected essays. These women have made significant contributions to history as: midwife, physician, journalist, photographer, educator, musician, civic activist, and social reformer. The stereotypical image of a powerless, barefooted, uneducated girl is proven…

This collection of essays chronicles the contributions of 14 West Virginia women active in individual and group endeavors from 1824 to the present. Because the achievements of these women are absent from previous histories of West Virginia, their stories constitute missing chapters in the state's history. Some of these women made contributions in…

This paper argues that role models from popular children's literature, such as Nancy Drew, can be used to resolve some of the current difficulties that women in the library profession have with leadership and communication. Some statistics and brief historical background on women in library administration are presented, the leadership qualities…

Discusses a strategy to present girls with models of hardy female personalities through examples of young problem solvers found in children's literature to nurture and build the strength in female students to tackle problem-solving situations. Contains 17 references. (ASK)

Describes an attempt to estimate race and gender role-model effects in high school economics courses. Reports that no evidence of a gender role-model effect was found. Concludes that recruiting minorities into teaching careers will be beneficial because a large role model effect was found for African Americans whose mothers had not graduated from…

This digest explores the concept of mentoring with gifted students and offers guidelines on its implementation. The literature on mentoring is reviewed, noting the maturing effect of mentor relationships and the particular value of mentors for disadvantaged students and for females. Among six guidelines offered are: decide what (not whom) the…

Single, elderly, childless women are a specialized population needing social support. To examine the association between life satisfaction and social support among this population, 65 women (30 widowed, 35 never-married) were interviewed and completed the Life Satisfaction Scale. An analysis of the results showed that the never-married sample had…