U of T Scarborough recently hosted two events to support local Grade 9 girls’ journeys in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Women make up less than one quarter of the people employed in STEM careers in Canada. While graduates of STEM programs are more likely to make more money than their non-STEM counterparts, women are also 30 per cent less likely than men to pick post-secondary programs in STEM. A study by Statistics Canada notes that increasing the number of women in STEM careers can be one approach to bridging the wage gap women still face.
The Sparking Science Mentorship Program brought 100 girls in Grades 9 and 10 to campus last November. They attended nine mentorship sessions with scientists that weren’t just working in a range of STEM careers, they were also at a range of life stages — some were in their early 20s, others in their late 60s; some were researchers, others worked in the energy sector. All offered insights into their lived experiences as scientists.
The event was also held at U of T Scarborough in 2019 via a partnership with the Durham District School Board and EcoSpark, a charity that empowers schools and communities to make positive environmental change.
Honored to have hosted the 'Sparking Science' Mentorship program, with 100 gr. 9 girls on campus.
— The Guzzo Lab @ UTSC 🇨🇦🦠🧬🔬 (@GuzzoLabUTSC) November 2, 2022
Girls experienced 9 mentorship sessions with different ♀️ scientists in STEM fields, exposing them to many careers in science.
Thanks to @UTSC & @UTSCresearch for supporting this! pic.twitter.com/12ipGqwwSK
We just wrapped up our #SparkingScience 2022 through mentorship conference! Thank you to our incredible mentors, students and sponsors for making this year's conference a big success! @UTSC @DDSBSchools @DunbartonDHS @AjaxHigh_School @HenryStreetHS @PickeringHS @MCVITweets pic.twitter.com/WfpHZDifeS
— EcoSpark (@EcoSpark_Env) October 21, 2022
Meanwhile, the annual Math in Motion… Girls in Gear! event has been a staple at U of T Scarborough for almost a decade. The event has brought thousands of girls from across the GTA to campus for a day-long conference of activities, sessions, speakers and other explorations into math — including crafting a parachute for the iconic egg drop in the Instructional Centre.
In 21016, then-premier Kathleen Wynne spoke at the event, and the next year’s iteration included a custom video message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the event returned last November.
