Social networks gone educational

Social networks crop up every day. From Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, Twitter, LinkedIn and loads more, it seems everyone has a place to feel welcome, no matter how cold it's getting outside. Even universities are getting involved. Through the City University of New York, the Women Writing Science project, a multi-faceted initiative to involve young women in science and to encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, announced the launch of their new networking site: underthemicroscope.com, sponsored by IBM.

But the big difference between sites like Friendster and Under the Microscope is the career opportunities the group's organizers profess to have. The site now provides the option to post personal stories through blogging, science news updates, and links to other resources. Throughout 2009 the site plans to include more social networking opportunities to keep users attuned, while also adding careers tips, guides for parents, and a mentoring opportunity. Though the main purpose of the site is to inform users of internships and scholarships as well as serialized chapters of Women Writing Science publications that can be downloaded free of charge and an online book club.

If you want to learn more about the website or its founders click here