[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 190 (Monday, December 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING TERESA WOODRUFF, PH.D., AND THE WOMEN'S HEALTH SCIENCE 
        PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2011

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Teresa 
Woodruff and the Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls, 
developed by the Institute for Women's Health Research at Northwestern 
University Feinberg School of Medicine, on their receipt of the 
Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and 
Engineering Mentoring.
  The Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls targets 
primarily African American and Latina girls from disadvantaged 
backgrounds in Chicago. The young women have the opportunity to study 
at four different Northwestern academies: cardiology, physical science, 
infectious disease, and oncofertility.
  There is a tremendous opportunity for women to make a difference in 
improving America's innovative capacity and global competitiveness. A 
study from last year from the American Association of University Women 
(AAUW) entitled, ``Why So Few?'' underscores the point that attracting 
and retaining more women in the STEM workforce will maximize 
innovation, creativity, and competitiveness.
  The AAUW study suggests that there are a number of ways to cultivate 
young women's interest and persistence in science and engineering, 
including mentoring. As Dr. Woodruff and the Women's Health Science 
Program prove, mentoring plays a crucial role in the academic and 
personal development of students--especially for young women and 
underrepresented minorities--who choose to study science and 
engineering. Of the 90 students who participated in the Women's Health 
Science Program, 18 are seniors in high school, 70 attend college, and 
2 have received undergraduate degrees. Of those attending college, 51 
percent are pursuing science majors.
  We stand on the precipice of major discoveries and advancements. We 
need more women and minorities in STEM-related fields to ensure that 
our workforce and the solutions they develop to solve the problems of 
today--and tomorrow--are designed better and designed with everyone in 
mind.
  There is a place for initiatives that motivate students to pursue 
STEM throughout their educational careers. With targeted action--like 
that of Dr. Woodruff and the Women's Health Science Program--we can 
remain global leaders in this vital field.
  Again, I want to congratulate Dr. Woodruff for this well-deserved 
award in recognition of her outstanding work to provide opportunities 
for girls and women to improve our community and world.

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