There's no denying that STEM is male dominated; according to Stem Graduates, only 13% of the overall UK STEM workforce is female. However, Tech for Life wants to challenge the stereotype that STEM is just for boys by launching Future Leading Ladies for Life. If you're aged between 15-18, identify as female and are considering a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, this event is a great place to start.
The Future Leading Ladies for Life programme is starting on 25th September at North East Futures UTC in Newcastle, and will run every Tuesday afternoon for 4 weeks, from 16:00-18:00.
It's aimed at young women who aren't sure what a career in STEM would mean for them, as well as those who are already interested in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths. You don't need to have any experience in STEM to attend, just a curiosity or enthusiasm for the subjects.
The programme is for girls in the North East from Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13. The weekly sessions will discuss gender stereotyping with industry mentors, with the aim of raising young women's awareness of these issues in STEM.
The programme will include a confidence building session with coach Bev Fox, who regularly visitors to The Stand may recognise as part of the improvisation comedy group The Suggestibles.
Future Leading Ladies for Life will also dedicate a session to Ada Lovelace, the celebrated mathematician, the publisher of the first algorithm and, arguably, the world's first computer programmer.
There will also be STEM guest speakers, as well as a role model panel session, to allow the girls and young women attending to ask any burning questions they have to experts working in the industry. The event also hopes to illustrate that whilst women are currently underrepresented in STEM, the tides are definitely changing.
This event is completely free, and you can register your interest at the event page on www.eventbrite.com.
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