Erica Grow, TV meteorologist, speaks at Penn State Abington

Erica Grow, weekend morning meteorologist for Philadelphia Action News and 2002 Penn State graduate, was on the Penn State Abington campus July 16 to speak to a group of teenage girls attending the week-long camp, "Math Options for Girls."

The camp, offered as a part of Penn State Abington's Kids' and Teen College program, is one of a number of summer camps and academic enrichment programs for students entering grades three through 12. The camp is designed for girls who have a unique interest in math and science and is intended to help them explore and experience the many different career choices available in fields involving science, technology, engineering, and math.

Attendees participated in hands-on activities and lab experiences led by instructors and professionals working in these demanding careers. Animal science, veterinary medicine, chemical engineering, business, nursing, radiology, and nuclear medicine were among the subjects covered during the week. The presentation by Grow opened the girls' eyes to the world of meteorology.

"I was excited to come to Penn State Abington and speak to the girls," said Grow. "They're at an age when they're starting to think about careers. When I was their age I knew I was interested in a career in science -- maybe a doctor or engineer -- but I never thought about meteorology. The girls asked me plenty of questions, so hopefully I was able to inspire them to consider meteorology as a job choice or at least to think outside-the-box."

According to Deanna Bosley, coordinator of Penn State Abington's summer camp programs, "all of the students walked away knowing that the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a career, and what better way to learn that than by hearing from women like Erica who work in math-related professions."