It is no secret that women continue to be underrepresented and unrecognized in STEM fields. Luckily, one group has been making a difference. Girls STEM Up is a student-led initiative based in Fredericton, NB, which aims to support women and girls in STEM from around Atlantic Canada.
Every year, Girls STEM Up holds a conference for female-identifying high school and undergraduate students. Their work on this conference began in 2019, when a group of female-identifying students from the UNB decided to step forward to combat the lack of resources for girls in STEM. They wanted to ensure that future students would feel supported in their respective fields, and so Girls STEM Up was born.
What is Girls STEM Up?
At their conference, they offer various activities that cater to different learning styles. There are keynote speakers as well as more relaxed breakout sessions, which often include a hands-on workshop. Between sessions, there are hallway activities and networking opportunities. Scholarships are awarded both to students who are about to begin their STEM education and to students currently studying at the undergraduate level.
It’s easy to forget that this conference is run entirely by students! The Girls STEM UP board of determined young women are all around the same age as those who attend their conferences, making them more approachable. They understand the needs of girls studying in STEM fields because they are girls studying in STEM. The board is then able to work with their partners and supporters to see that those needs are met.
A new theme is chosen for the Girls STEM Up conference every year. This year, their theme is Bridging Gaps. They plan to highlight the voices and experiences of other underrepresented groups to bring everyone together in solidarity.
The conference will be held on February 24, 2024, at the Delta Hotel in Fredericton, NB. Registration is now open!
To learn more and get involved, visit the Girls STEM UP website. Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for conference updates. If you have any questions, please contact connect.gsu@gmail.com.
