The Future Ahead! 7th Annual Girls and STEAM Conference Aims to Close the Gender Gap in STEAM Fields

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An action-packed day of workshops, teaching and an inspiring keynote will see 300 girls, aged 12-14 explore STEAM career opportunities.

Vancouver, BC, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The future is bright, and full of girls and science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math (STEAM)! Year 7 Science Girls and the STEAM Summitpresented by STEMCELL Technologies, is excited to announce its theme: “The Future Ahead!” This action-packed day on Saturday, November 2 ignites a passion for innovation in the next generation of STEAM leaders.

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Aligned with the Global Science goal of “Science for All,” the Girls and STEAM Summit addresses the persistent gender gap in STEAM careers. Women make up only 24% of STEM bachelor programs in Canada[1]this event inspires and guides girls, introduces them to potential careers and challenges them to think big. To continue to support this development, Girls and STEAM offers year-round online resources, workshops, live streams and events. Although the terms “women” and “girls” are used in this program, the event includes attendees and mentors who identify as women, girls, trans, asexual, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-questioning.

Throughout the day, the girls will explore engaging workshops, exhibition booths and a mentor cafe, ending on an inspiring key note. Workshops will cover topics ranging from physical to mechanical while a mentor café will connect participants with more than 50 STEAM experts.

Building on the success of the past years, “Future Forward!” the theme looks ahead to how to tackle unprecedented challenges and create valuable solutions. From building sustainable cities to developing life-saving medical technology, the Summit aims to empower girls to dream big about their possibilities.

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The event will be anchored by the keynote speaker, Moronke Harris, an award-winning scientist and student of Oceanography. He has experience in climate engineering, intergovernmental research missions, and a deep interest in exploration, innovation, and the green economy. Harris is an outside world expert on deep-sea hydrothermal vents, traveling thousands of feet below the surface to explore Earth’s last frontier. This important recording will be available for viewing after the event at scienceworld.ca.

“We are incredibly excited to bring ‘Future Forward!’ the theme of life at this year’s Girls and STEAM conference,” said Issy Worrall, Manager, Community Programs and Engagement at Science World. “By showcasing the diverse and fundamental work women do in STEAM fields, we hope to inspire girls to become tomorrow’s innovators, problem solvers, and leaders who will shape our world for the better. We couldn’t do it without the support of our corporate partners and the community, and we’re very grateful to the entire STEAM community for their participation.”

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This is the second year STEMCELL, located just down the road from Science World, has supported Girls and STEAM as a presenting partner.

“The scientific community is stronger when people come together to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from each other,” said Sharon Louis, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, STEMCELL. “Through hands-on activities and engaging discussions, the Girls and STEAM program offers many wonderful opportunities for young women and girls to participate and experience firsthand how real-world science and technology communities are built. STEMCELL is proud to support Girls and STEAM and ‘Future Forward!’ A conference to inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders, strengthen our community, and help pave the way for tomorrow’s success.”

Visit scienceworld.ca to learn more about ongoing contributions to girls and STEAM throughout the year.

About the World of Science

Science World is a charity that provides engaging and playful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and design and maths). Visitors to Vancouver’s iconic landmark explore interactive, visual exhibits, galleries and events that enhance discovery and encourage connection with their natural, physical and built environment. Beyond the dome, outreach programs inspire students, teachers and families in all regions of British Columbia with visual and in-person tours and programs. Science World’s mission is to inspire wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. And their vision is a sustainable future filled with critical thinkers, problem solvers and miracle seekers. Learn more at scienceworld.ca.

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About STEMCELL Technologies

STEMCELL Technologies, Canada’s largest biotechnology company, provides more than 2500 high-quality cell culture media, cell differentiation technologies, instruments, products, and services to scientists worldwide working in stem cell, immunology , cancer, regenerative medicine, and cellular research. . Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, STEMCELL is an anchor company and we are passionate about ensuring the success of the province’s life sciences sector. We are Scientists Helping Scientists dedicated to improving lives by improving knowledge and access to science, promoting inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and investing in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. For more information, visit www.stemcell.com/our-responsibility.

[1] https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/education-at-a-glance-2024_c00cad36-en.html

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