"The WISEatlantic Program has had an exciting and productive five years and it has been rewarding to see the program continue to grow. I am always inspired by the young girls who attend our Girls Get WISE events and their enthusiasm for STEM. While there is still much work to be done, it is encouraging to see the changes being implemented by government, industry, and academia towards more diverse and inclusive workplaces for women in Science and Engineering. I am excited to expand the reach of the WISEatlantic Program over the next five years, and to work with the other NSERC Chairs to promote increased diversity and inclusion in industry and academia in Canada."
- Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, Atlantic Region
The Women in Science and Engineering—Atlantic Region (WISEatlantic)
Engaging Girls in Inspirational STEM Activities
The Women in Science and Engineering—Atlantic Region (WISEatlantic) program aims to shift gendered STEM stereotypes. We empower girls to consider STEM-based careers by raising their awareness of the diversity of jobs within these fields, and enabling them to visualize themselves working in these fields. WISEatlantic also supports early career women in STEM through professional development and networking opportunities.
Youth Engagement
- Girls Get WISE Science Summer Camp, delivered six times.
- Girls Get WISE Science Retreat, delivered 20 times.
- Four other WISE groups in the region have adopted our retreat program.
- Connecting girls with role models, hosting library sessions, webinars, and school visits.
- Sponsor girls First Lego League and Let’s Talk Science Challenge teams.
- New in 2017: WISEatlantic Partnerships Program provides sponsorships for local organizations.
Providing Support for Women in STEM
- Hosted 23 WinSETT Leadership Series Workshops.
- Step-Up workshop for female academics in STEM in 2014 and 2017.
- Hosted the Atlantic ConnecTions Conference for women in SETT in 2015 and 2017.
Research
- Influencers of youth career STEM knowledge and perceptions.
- Stereotype threat and resiliency.
Testimonials
“I feel that the WISE event made my daughter’s world a bit broader than her public school science class. Being around so many women in science enforced for her the fact that she really can do just about anything she wants.” — Parent
“I attended a Girls Get WISE Science Retreat back in grade 11 and it was a great experience. The mentors that talked to us at the end really inspired me. Now, a few years later, I am concluding my first year of university, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences.” — Past Participant
