The under-representation of women in STEM fields is evident in many, if not most countries around the world, including Canada. This is supported by statistics, and in 2016, women only made up 34% of STEM undergraduates in Canada. Furthermore, women only made up 23% of all science and tech workers aged 25-64. These numbers have increased massively over the years, but there is still a long way to go.
Fortunately, there are many opportunities and scholarships popping up across Canadian cities for girls that are interested in having a career in STEM (and by all means, go for it!). Calgary is no exception! Here are some interesting opportunities for High School girls in the Calgary area (some of these opportunities are available online).
4. Cybermentor – Open to Albertan girls/non-binary youth aged 10-18
Cybermentor is an online STEM mentorship program facilitated by the University of Calgary, that matches female and non-binary youth ages 10-18 to a STEM professional. These professionals will act as their mentors, from September to June. Weekly chats include homework help, discussions about STEM careers, workshops, and building meaningful relationships. One of their key values is inclusion and emphasizes the bridging of the gap that various marginalized communities such as women, Indigenous peoples, Black and Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC), and the LGBTQIA2s+.
The Schulich School of Engineering started this program in 2001, and to this day, over 3000 youth have taken part in this program across 70 Albertan communities.
Website:
https://www.cybermentor.ca/about
3. The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship – Open to Canadian girls that have been accepted into a post-secondary Aviation program in Canada.
According to the statistics, women represent a staggeringly low 5.44% of commercial pilots worldwide. Hence, Air Canada has committed to giving $20,000 per year to women that have been accepted into a post-secondary aviation program within Canada. The maximum that can be given to one student is $5,000. The scholarship is not automatically renewable but needs to be reapplied for each year.
The scholarship is named after Captain Judy Cameron, the first female pilot that was hired by Air Canada in April of 1978. She was also the first woman to graduate from Selkirk College’s Aviation Technology Program in 1975. She was an extremely talented pilot, who showed exceptional leadership and her achievements are an inspiration to women and pilots alike.
For more details and eligibility, please visit:
https://careers.aircanada.com/posts/the-captain-judy-cameron-scholarship
2. Operation Minerva – Open to Girls/Non-binary youth in Grades 8-9
Operation Minerva is a program that is organized by Telus Spark, which is designed to connect students to STEM professionals, similar to Cybermentor. It is a conference held outside of school hours every year, where professionals from various organizations such as ENMAX and the Institute for Research on Exoplanets are invited to mentor girls/non-binary youth in grades 8-9.
This year’s mentors included Ingrida Semenec, Nathalie Ouellette, and Erica Caden.
For more information, please visit Telus Spark Calgary’s website:
https://sparkscience.ca/education/operation-minerva/
1. AWSN Scholarship – Open to students in their 3rd – final year in an Albertan STEM undergraduate program
The AWSN, with the support of TC Energy, gives $3000 scholarships to ten students each year, who are enrolled in their third to final year in an undergraduate STEM program in Alberta. The students themselves, however, do not need to be residing in Alberta to apply. Applicants are selected through an unbiased and intersectional lens, and the awards are given out in an equitable manner. This process takes into account the obstacles that under-represented groups face, such as gender inequality and limiting stereotypes.
The AWSN’s main focus is “to connect, unite, support and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs throughout the province”. Their three core pillars are recruitment, retention, and recognition.
To apply for the 2022 year, please visit: https://www.awsn.org/awsn-scholarship
If you are someone that is looking to go into STEM: Go you!! Keep following your dream, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And even if you’re not looking to go into STEM, encourage your family and friends. Support them!
That’s all from me today. Have an awesome one.
