Three middle-school girls representing Newton are set to join 45 of their peers from 17 Massachusetts communities at Envision the Future, a residential STEM program at Bridgewater State University, July 20-24, under the auspices of the Southeastern Massachusetts STEM Network.  Shown above are Newton’s ambassadors:  7th Graders Abigail Brooks (Brown MS), Deanne Harris (Oak Hill MS), and Dumebi Okonkwo (Day MS), who were selected based on written applications and interviews.  Last Thursday they met with program supporters in Newton to discuss what they expect to encounter:  Challenging STEM activities, career exploration with STEM professionals, meeting women role models, and connecting with other girls with similar interests.  Attending the discussion were representatives of the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton (which will fund scholarships for the students), NewtonSTEM, and the Newton Free Library, as well as Newton School Committee representatives Margaret Albright and Angela Pitter-Wright.  Representatives of Wellesley Public Schools, which is sending two students to the program, also participated in the discussion.  A key aim of all supporting organizations will be to replicate various STEM-promotion activities of Envision the Future in their communities next year.  Newton and Wellesley were invited to participate based on the sponsors’ interest in replicating these activities in their communities.