Technology and innovation are thriving around the world, and with this growth comes the demand for experts to expand its possibilities. The need for professionals in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields might be greater than ever before. Unfortunately, these fields are generally dominated by males, while females tend to focus on other career paths. In the province of Alberta, Canada, a program known asCybermentor is hoping to reverse this trend by helping young girls interested in a STEM-related education successfully pursue a path toward a career in the STEM fields.
The program, which began in 2001, partners women with careers in STEM-related fields with girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The volunteers mentor the students using online resources to help guide them through STEM-related classes and, possibly, to a career in this area. Since its inception, the program has matched around 2,000 students with mentors.
"Our program has been successful because of the commitment from our students, parents, mentors, and sponsors," says Program Director Meredith Underell. "The amount of knowledge our mentors are able to share with their matches helps keep the students interested in [STEM] and understand the careers that are available to them."
Because the program is based online, mentors can connect with girls who live in both rural and urban areas. They are required to communicate via e-mail at least once a week to discuss STEM-related issues that touch on a number of topics including career advice and questions regarding university life. Blogs and discussion forums also allow mentors and students to interact with one another.
Underell believes it is important for women to have roles in the STEM fields. "Women bring a rich diversity of backgrounds, interests, and personalities that can bring about change for the better in science," she says. "Diversity leads to new ideas and that is becoming increasingly important when it comes to technological innovation."
The program's success has led to a similar program based inGermany and inquiries from the United States and from other areas in Canada that are interested in replicating Cybermentor's success.
