Expanding Your Horizons
Expanding Your Horizons is a conference for middle school girls to expose them to various careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Co-sponsored by AAUW, the Ingenuity Center at UT Tyler, and the Omicron chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the program began in Tyler in 1992 and is still going strong.
Through Expanding Your Horizons Network programs, we provide adult female role models who work in STEM professions who present short, hands-on workshops for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls. Our ultimate goal is to motivate girls to become innovative and creative thinkers, ready to meet 21st century challenges.
The Tyler branch presents a $1000 award to one lucky school to help with their science and math curriculum.
For more information, please contact Sandra Owens or Gail Johnson.
Academic Rodeo
In 1994 the AAUW Tyler Chapter began a partnership with the East Texas State Fair to co-sponsor the Academic Rodeo. This program showcases the talents of young people through events such as a spelling bee, challenge quiz, essay contest, and an art contest (among others).
Volunteers from AAUW Tyler participate in the annual spelling bee as judges and rodeo rangers, assisting the elementary age spellers get seated, stay organized, and remain calm.
For more information, visit the East Texas State Fair’s website.
Holiday Home Tour
Holiday in the Pines Tour of Homes is the major fundraising event for AAUW Tyler. The program is in it’s 42nd year and is going strong. The holiday home tour is held the first Saturday in December and features area homes, decked out for the Christmas holidays in various themes. Members of AAUW Tyler volunteer to docent the homes, greeting the public and discussing the home and the AAUW organization. Local florists often donate floral arrangements to highlight the home’s décor.
The Holiday in the Pines Tour of Homes is designed to provide a bit of something for everyone, but most of all to give the visitors a unique and fun holiday experience. Proceeds from the tour go to fund AAUW Tyler scholarships to women graduating from area high schools, Tyler Junior College, UT Tyler, and Texas College. Proceeds also fund other AAUW local and national efforts, including Expanding Your Horizons.
For more information, please contact Kristi Roberts.
Games Day
Fall Games Day is a fairly new fundraising event set during the fourth week of October. This function provides a venue to play games of the participants choice, primarily featuring Mah Jongg and Bridge. A full buffet is provided and AAUW Tyler members work on gathering items from local businesses for a silent auction that day, with AAUW Tyler Interest Groups providing “baskets of goodies” to bid on as well.
Fall Games Day offers an opportunity for both AAUW Tyler members as well as others in the Tyler community to come together for a fun-filled day that also highlights AAUW’s mission and fundraising goals. Proceeds from Games Day go to fund AAUW Tyler scholarships to women graduating from area high schools, Tyler Junior College, UT Tyler and Texas College. Proceeds also help fund other AAUW local and national efforts, including Expanding Your Horizons.