It’s a Girls’ SySTEM

As the country’s first STEM-focused late elementary and high-school mentorship program, the Girls’ sySTEM Mentorship Program aims to inspire female STEMists and increase women’s representation in STEM-related fields.

“We need to build a broader network of women in STEM and breakdown some of the myths,” Kathryn Hong, Founder of the NSERC funded program. Girls in grades 8-12 will be paired with professional mentors from a diverse range of fields in order to acquire first-hand knowledge and experiences early in their academic careers. Engaging in practical learning from recognized professionals will help them to build positive support systems and broaden their knowledge of the interesting career opportunities available to them. The program aims to encourage young women to pursue STEM careers, as research shows that interest for female students in these fields usually drops during their high-school years, having a long-term impact on their opportunities.

Kathryn Hong, currently a Queen’s University student will be launching the pilot project this spring-summer in Kingston. Her goal is to help inspire the next generation of women in STEM. The programs objectives are to empower, engage, lead, create, and foster opportunities in our local community. The program will host their STEMist Fair being held at Queen’s University, Beamish Munroe Hall (Rm 213), Saturday June 23rd from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. As well as various mentorship workshops at Innovate Kingston’s Town Hall. We are thrilled Kathryn is part of our innovative community. As she grows her program she is looking for collaborations with community stakeholders that can support her initiative long-term.

If you want to get involved, Kathryn is currently seeking professional mentors to grow her STEM network, as well as girls grades 8-12 who are interested in participating in the mentorship program. It is with the support of individuals, like Innovate Kingston’s community, that we can help foster the next generation of STEM leaders.

For more information, or to join Kathryn’s initiative:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlsySTEM

Kathryn Hong
Founder, Girls’ sySTEM Mentorship Program
MSc. Candidate, Queen’s University
P: 613 863 6644
E: hong.k@queensu.ca