CSR Ukraine, CSR Development Center expert organization with the support of UNFPA Ukraine, and the Institute for Education Content Modernization invites active representatives of the schools and universities to join the action on establishing #GirlsSTEM branches

STEM is an abbreviation of Science, Technology (Informatics, Technology), Engineering (Robotics, 3D Modeling), and Mathematics.

Girls STEM is an all-Ukrainian program aimed at increasing the number of girls in technological professions. Over the last three years, many initiatives have been taken, including a mentorship program, hackathons for girls and teachers, moreover, a topical comic has been developed. On numerous requests from the participants, organizers and partners of the program, they initiate the creation of an extensive network of affiliates of the # Girls Network throughout Ukraine. From now on, every girl interested in technical professions will be able to join the STEM-branch in her own school, implement STEM projects and create a network of talented girls in their village or city.

The main activities of the branches will be aimed at introducing and raising awareness about STEM as a leading approach to learning in Ukraine. As part of the initiative, participants will be able to organize a variety of educational activities aimed at eliminating gender stereotypes when choosing professions and helping school students to implement their own STEM projects.

"#GirlsSTEM program expands to the regions, so that every girl interested in technology has the opportunity to fulfill her potential. That means even more projects offering more opportunities, and more girls opting for STEM", said Maryna Saprykina, founder of the STEM Girls Initiative, CSR Ukraine Chair of the Board.

"Promotion of girls' self-fulfillment, especially in the field of STEM, is one of the main priorities in our work", notes Nataliya Koshovska, Program Analyst at the United Nations Population Fund. - We are working to introduce gender-sensitive approaches in teaching STEM disciplines at school to ensure equal rights and opportunities for girls and boys. And now, due to the introduction of STEM-affiliated schools, graduates will become more competitive in the labor market and prepare for a career in the technologies".

Active representatives of general, secondary and tertiary education facilities in all regions of Ukraine may participate in the establishment of branches, except for the JFO area and the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

To participate, one must:

1) Fill in the registration application by May-June;

2) Indicate your motivation to participate in the Community;

3) Formulate key results you expect to achieve by the end of 2019.

The Organizers will select and send recommendations to the braches, as well as to the Girls-STEM Community affiliates based on the completed applications.

In November 2019, upon the reporting of completed activities, the Organizers will select the most active branch. The winner, determined by the Organizers and program partners, will have the right to host the Final Conference at their branch in December 2019. More information on the initiative is available at the Girls STEM website.