Girl power in STEM fields
YOUNG girls over Queensland are being given the chance to shine in STEM careers.
Sunshine Coast
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YOUNG girls over Queensland are being given the chance to shine in STEM careers.
The STEM Girl Power Camp is a five-day adventure for year 10 state school female students to encourage their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Mountain Creek State High School student Saara Silvola was chosen to head down to Brisbane for the prestigious event.
Saara said she has hopes of possibly becoming a paediatrician or a science teacher and believes the camp will give her valuable experience.
"It's a great opportunity to see how broad the science field really is and the difference experiences you can have with STEM,” she said.
Women have not always been accepted into STEM fields, Saara said, believing more programs should be established to help young girls follow their STEM dreams.
"Having a specific path to empower young girls to get involved in science is really important.”
The budding doctor is "really looking forward to what the experience will bring” and the valuable skills she will learn.
"I'm especially looking forward to meeting like-minded girls who I can become friends with and grow in STEM with,” she said.
Mountain Creek State High School executive principal Darrin Edwards said the school is proud of Saara for being chosen in the camp.
"I think it's due credit to Saara and her love and passion for the sciences,” he said.
Mr Edwards agreed there is a positive shift towards including women in traditionally male dominated fields.
"As a biological chemist by qualification, seeking kids exploring the sciences, especially young ladies following the STEM line is heartening.”
The camp will involve activities at the World Science Festival and will encourage the student's leadership skills to become STEM ambassadors.
An initiative of the Department of Education, Saara will be travelling to Brisbane in late March.
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