November 28, 2017
Techsploration raises more than $20,000 in scholarships and bursaries for its alumnae and young women pursuing post-secondary education in science, trades, and technology.
Techsploration has expanded its scholarship program for the 2018-2019 school year with the launch of its ‘20 scholarships to celebrate 20 years’ campaign in recognition of the non-profit’s 20th anniversary and Digital Nova Scotia is extremely proud to be supporting this initiative!
“The expansion of our scholarship program reflects our dedication and the commitment of our industry sponsors to growing a diverse workforce. Our aim is to help remove financial barriers to post-secondary education for our alumnae and young women in our region who want to pursue a career path in science, trades, or technology. In many cases careers paths in those fields are uncharted territory for women, and we want that to change” – Arylene Reycraft, Executive Director, Techsploration
The announcement was made at Techsploration’s Annual Launch and 20th Anniversary Kick-off to an audience of industry sponsors, alumnae, teachers, role models, and volunteers.
“I was awarded the first Techsploration scholarship in 2002. I was one of two women in my program. This scholarship helped me focus on doing my course load, instead of worrying about how I would make my tuition payments. Techsploration pushed me out of my comfort zone, which encouraged me to take risks when I normally wouldn’t. It’s been the voice in the back of my head telling me to do something I’m passionate about” – Margaret Davidson, Techsploration Alumna and Scholarship Recipient
Techsploration scholarships and bursaries provide financial support for Techsploration alumnae and young women in Nova Scotia to further their post-secondary education in science, trades, or technology, fields where women are typically underrepresented. This investment aligns with Techsploration’s mandate to increase the number of women working in science, trades, and technology by encouraging young women in grades 9 through 12 twelve to consider careers in those fields via hands-on, mentor-led programming.
“Digital Nova Scotia is extremely proud to sponsor two Techsploration scholarships and contribute to increasing the number of females working in the ICT and digital technologies sector. By reducing financial barriers and increasing exposure to the opportunities available, we are encouraging young women to follow their passion and help create the diverse, inclusive and multi-faceted workforce of the future that we truly need and deserve. We would like to congratulate the team at Techsploration for their dedication to filling the pipeline with inspiring young women – we hope to see some of these women featured as part of our Digital Diversity Awards in the years to come!” – Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, former President & CEO, Digital Nova Scotia.
The campaign is off to a strong start with more than $20,000 in total scholarship commitments, marking the organization’s largest investment in scholarships to date. Digital Nova Scotia is proud to be supporting two scholarships to advance women exploring opportunities in technology. Other sponsors include Acadia University, Dalhousie University, Engineers Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Nova Scotia Community College, REDspace, St. Francis Xavier University, and Saint Mary’s University. Additional details on each individual scholarship will be available in January, 2018.
“We’re excited to support Techsploration’s 20th year, a huge milestone for an organization that is doing so much to empower the next generation of women leaders. As both a sponsor and role model, I’ve seen first hand the impact this program has had on raising awareness about the countless careers in STEM. They are working to break down barriers for girls entering these industries and showing them they are capable of doing anything. By supporting programs like Techsploration, we as industry leaders are investing in these girls’ futures and validating the job opportunities for them in our sectors.” – Jenn Priske, REDspace Executive
Organizations interested in contributing to Techsploration’s scholarship campaign can do so up until February 20th, 2018 by contacting Emily Boucher at emily.boucher@techsploration.ca.