When ITS launched the redesigned Jetnet in the spring of 2002, the very first "We're Proud" feature on the front page recognized the work of Sharyn Holley, a 23-year AA veteran and former schoolteacher. Holley, a manager in Flight Service, is the founder of a program called "So SMAART" (Set on Science, Math, the Arts, Aviation, Reading, and Technology), aimed at minority girls ages 9 to 12.

Since that time, a number of ITS personnel have moved from "We're Proud" to "We're Involved" with the So SMAART program.

"Since the focus of the program is to expose these girls to non-traditional careers," explains ITS project manager Christel Tappin, "we -— that is, ITS — became involved in order to provide them with an opportunity to expore computers and technology through hands-on educational sessions."

Tappin, who along with Sabre's Louise Curbo has co-chaired the Technology Steering Committe for So SMAART, indicated there are more than 40 AA ITS volunteers.

The volunteers have worked in a variety of areas, including facilitation and development of the curriculum for the educational sessions, managing the So SMAART database, and coordinating a "Take our Daughters to Work Day" at American. "And the girls participate in an after-school program," adds Tappin, "where ITS volunteers help them develop technology skills."

"Although it may not seem like it now," says Curbo, "this program will make a difference in the lives of these girls. It's helping them establish confidence with business tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, the Internet and e-mail."

The theme for the first educational session was "A Trip to the Amazon" — the rainforest region, not the online bookseller. ITS volunteers dressed up in jungle gear and led the girls through a "cyberhunt" into the Amazon online. "Although the travel is 'virtual' today," says Curbo, "this program may inspire the girls to learn more about the region and other, different cultures. Maybe they'll eventually even travel — on AA, of course! — to visit these places."

The program serves 75 girls from three separate locations in South Dallas. Those who meet pre-defined requirements relating to grades and participation in meetings can compete to attend special summer sessions; some are technology- or flight-related, such as Video Camp and Aviation Camp. "Studies have shown that girls aren't as comfortable with computers as boys are," says Tappin. "Our mission is to increase their knowledge and familiararity with technology and its application to daily activities."

The ITS volunteer effort is sponsored by Maya Leibman, managing director, employee technology. Along with Tappin and Curbo, other key volunteers include curriculum development coordinator Linda Clark; trainers Maggie Finch, Rob Sanchez and Ashley Smith; videographers Dale Campbell and Kyle Kramer; and database developer Sally Danford. The steering committee co-chairs are Holley and Debra Hunter Johnson.

For more information on So SMAART, visit the organization's Web site, built and maintained by Ashley Smith, at http://www.sosmaart.org/ or call (817) 963-2221.