WINS (Women in Natural Sciences)
"WINS has been a big part of my life. It has provided me with new opportunities both academically and socially. I feel like part of a big family that inspires and encourages me to reach my personal goals."
Leronda Barker WINS student, 99'-02'
Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) is an innovative and successful science enrichment program conducted by The Academy of Natural Sciences in collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia. Since its founding in 1982, WINS has been providing female public school students with hands-on science classes, scientific literacy and skill-building activities, and opportunities for personal growth in a uniquely nurturing setting.
To date, more than 600 young women have been exposed to the facinating world of experiential science through the WINS program —a reflection of the positive contribution the Academy is making to young female students in Philadelphia, as well as to the natural environments in which they live.
Program Overview
Each year, eighth- and ninth-grade teachers and counselors in the School District of Philadelphia nominate their most academically talented and motivated students to take part in the program. The program focuses on students whose households may be facing financial limitations, and places a special emphasis on households headed by single parents, grandparents, non-parent guardians and foster parents. Of the more than 200 applicants each year, about 25 to 30 students are chosen to participate in WINS.
During the first year, WINS I, students participate in classroom lectures, science experiments, behind-the-scenes tours of the Academy, and day-long, weekend and weeklong field trips —all of which are designed to help students explore the intricate relationships between plants and animals (including humans) and our environment.
Once students have completed WINS I, they have the opportunity to pursue higher-level experiences in the second phase, WINS II, which helps students prepare for their academic and professional futures.
The Academy, with its extensive scientific collections, world-class research initiatives, and dynamic public programs, is the ideal location from which to expose these students to real-life science. For nearly 25 years, WINS has helped develop scientific competence and nurture individual confidence in young women who will surely go on to influence any number of fields —scientific and otherwise.
For more information, check out the following web pages, download our newsletter (pdf format) or call us at (215) 299-1064.
- WINS I (the first phase of the program)
- WINS II (the second phase)
- Newsletters (including some past issues)
- Participating Schools (Philadelphia schools currently participating in WINS)
- WINS Colleges (Colleges and Universities with WINS graduates)
Acknowledgements
Original funding for the WINS program provided by the Charles E. Ellis Grant and Scholarship Fund. Subsequent funding has come from a variety of foundations and other donors.
