In addition to the targeted goals, young women also benefit as they enhance their public relations, presentations and report writing skills; work on communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities; and gain IT knowledge. After participating in Techsploration, the students realize increased levels of confidence, self-esteem, and cultural awareness.

Techsploration affects the entire school culture and the community. It acts as a catalyst for ongoing community partnerships between teachers, parents, female role models, training providers, educators, school boards, aboriginal boards of education, industry, government, unions, and professional associations.

9. Why Developed / Problems / Issues Targeted

What are the main aims or objectives of the initiative? Is it designed to address any particular problems or issues? If so, please specify what these are.

Skilled workers in science, trades and technology are in demand worldwide. It is a challenge for employers that try to diversify, as the fact is there are so few graduates from the designated groups and women in the targeted fields.

10. Key Features /Content

  • Innovative
  • Effective
  • Promising
Please describe the main features of the program, focusing in particular on those aspects that are particularly innovative, effective or promising.

The overall goal of the Techsploration program is to increase the number of women working in science, trades, technical, and technology-related occupations by assisting young women to explore a wide range of career options in these fields. The program is intended to be inclusive of all girls, including those at various levels of academic achievement and from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • introduce girls to in-demand science, trades, technical, and technology-related careers
  • increase girls' knowledge of how to research a career
  • demonstrate to girls the value of taking science, math, technology, and trades courses to keep all their career options open
  • highlight the importance of career planning
  • demonstrate how career choices affect one's future
  • provide positive interactions with female role models working or training in science, trades, technical, and technology-related careers
  • introduce girls to basic skills related to science, trades and technology work through hands-on activities
  • encourage teachers to use female role models in career exploration and planning programs