Training fields

Alberta Announces $1M Investment in Women’s STEM Fields

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Yellowhead Tribal College interim president Tracy Poitras-Collins at the provincial announcement on Tuesday. (YourAlberta/YouTube)

The provincial government of Alberta provides a financial contribution to encourage women to pursue careers in high-demand fields.

The provincial government of Alberta is reducing barriers to strengthen the diversity of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce.

On Tuesday, the government announced that $1 million has been added to post-secondary scholarship programs to further improve accessibility and encourage women to pursue careers in the fields. Bow Valley College and NorQuest College will both receive $400,000 of the total investment, while Yellowhead Tribal College will receive the remaining $200,000.

In a press release, Yellowhead Tribal College Acting President Tracy Poitras-Collins said new funding for the school’s scholarship program will provide significant support to First Nations women pursuing careers in the related programs.

“With this funding, the college expects to produce job-ready STEM graduates who will have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and networks necessary to successfully transition into STEM employment opportunities,” she said.

Although women make up half of the province’s population, they represent only about one-third of enrollments and graduates and about 25% of the workforce.

The funding increase comes shortly after the province announced $1.9 million for a two-year research and innovation grant designed to develop women’s skills in information technology. .

Whitney Issik, Associate Minister for the Status of Women, explained that the announcement, which took place on International Women’s Day, signified a call to action to further facilitate women’s success in school, work and in life in general.

“These scholarships will help more women pursue fulfilling, in-demand careers that will help build Alberta’s future,” she said.

“Through this investment, the Government of Alberta is expanding the impact of the Women in STEM and Persons Case government scholarships, which are supporting record numbers of students this year with nearly $1 million in funding. »

Four hundred students will receive a one-time scholarship of $2,500 this year.

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