SAN JACINTO – The annual Math and Science Conference for 8th grade girls, organized by the American Association of University Women and hosted by Mt. San Jacinto College, took place on Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

About 300 8th-grade girls from Banning and Beaumont learned about careers in math and science during the conference. American Association of University Women committees from Redlands and Banning/Beaumont organized the day-long conference.

During the event, about 30 guest speakers related the need for math and science in their particular fields and encouraged the girls to continue math and science studies in high school.

The students experienced dozens of hands-on workshops led by women who are leaders in their fields. The presenters then gave the girls a taste of careers involving math and science.

The all day event was held on MSJC’s San Jacinto Campus, 1499 N. State Street in San Jacinto.