ITHACA, N.Y. — Graduate Women in Science (GWiS) of Cornell is a graduate student and postdoc run organization that focuses on improving the lives of those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially of whom are women-identified. This group will be hosting a 90’s dance party at Ithaca’s Castia Del Polaris (1201 North Tioga Street) at 9 p.m. Sept. 14. Since drinks will be available, this is not an all ages event and is restricted to 21 and up.
GWiS is suggesting a donation of $5, but would happily take more or less, depending on what you are comfortable providing. Proceeds will go to benefit The Free Science Workshop, an Ithaca-based nonprofit that promotes equity in science education. Free Science does this by providing free, hands-on, opportunities to explore and learn through tinkering, invention, and science for under served and low-income youth at their community workshop on the Northside during after school drop-in and weekend family nights.
Your donations will help support these initiatives by providing materials and tools that are offered at Free Science Workshop, contribute to weekend Family Science Nights (that includes free dinner and special family science experiences), as well as the Free Science Intern Program where teenagers are given the opportunity to be science mentors and develop their own innovative projects!
GWiS Cornell is working with their community partners, the owners of the Northstar House, Jed Ashton, Lee Hamilton and local reggae legend, Elliot Martin, who will be contributing by providing their event space, Casita Del Polaris, for free! Their generosity means that every single penny you donate goes directly to Free Science.
Casita Del Polaris has plenty of room to just grab a drink and mingle if dancing is not your thing. However, GWiS will be doing their best to get you out on the floor by bumping the best Hip Hop, R&B and Pop beats of the 90’s! Can’t make it but still want to donate? That’s okay, you can also visit Free Science’s donation page here.
If this event is successful, GWiS plans on continuing to organize fundraisers for accessible science in the future. So, come on down, get your boogie on and show your support for science!