about YWLCS:
The Young Women's Leadership Charter School of Chicago, located on the South Side of Chicago, is a public school that inspires and encourages urban girls to pursue math and science. Established in 1999, their mission is to provide a rigorous college preparatory education focusing on math, science, technology and the development. An ethnically and economically diverse student population hails from all parts of Chicago and 327 girls are presently enrolled in grades 7-12. Students at YWLCS enjoy a well-rounded curriculum through inquiry-based teaching, and have special opportunities to intern in Chicago-area businesses and participate in individual mentorships with successful professional women. Though the school receives public funds, YWLCS depends on private contributions in order to provide their students with a premier education that will ensure their success in college and beyond. For more information on YWLCS, especially if you are interested in volunteering your time, please see their website at http://www.ywlcs.org/.

about Janet Rowley:
Dr. Janet Rowley has been familiar with the University of Chicago for many years; she received both her B.S. and M.D from the school, and has been a member of the faculty since 1962. Her most well known scientific achievement has been the identification of specific chromosomal translocations that can lead to leukemia, and research throughout her career has focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Other notable achievements include working part time through much of her career in order to spend time with her family, receiving the National Medal of Science in 1999, and her appointment to the President’s Council of Bioethics in 2001. Dr. Rowley is the Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at the University of Chicago.