14. Stakeholder Involvement

 What mechanisms are used, if any, to involve key stakeholders involved in the development, delivery or evaluation of the initiative? Which groups of stakeholders are involved? Techsploration happens because of its strategic alliances with business and education.
15. Key Changes Over Time Have there been any major changes in the content or delivery of this initiative over time? If yes, please give brief details.

Increase from eight public school participating in the program to 22.

Techsploration was also piloted in Newfoundland in 2001 where it continues to operate successfully.
16. Performance Indicators What indicators are used, if any, to measure the performance of this program? Number of young women taking science courses and pursuing a science, trades and/or technology career
17. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms; Reporting What arrangements are there, if any, for the monitoring and evaluation of this program and for reporting on the results? A 2005 evaluation report entitled "Benefits of Techsploration" by Madeline Comeau, President, Workplace Equity Services
18. Key Results or Outcomes What have been the main achievements or outcomes of this program to date?

The 2005 evaluation report confirmed the Techsploration met its five key outcomes by:

  • Increasing young women’s level of interest in trades, technical, technology, and science related occupations;
  • Providing a useful method for the young women to continue to learn about other careers;
  • Enhancing their level of confidence in finding out about a wider range of career choices;
  • Increasing participants level of knowledge about specific careers in trades, technical, technology, and science-related occupations;
  • Fostering a positive attitude towards keeping their science and math in high school.

The girls also experienced a change in their beliefs about career choices open to them and, just as important, in their beliefs about their aptitudes and abilities. The feedback consistently indicated that Techsploration:

  • Led them to question traditional stereotypes around gender roles in employment;
  • Increased their level of self-confidence;
  • Motivated them to pursue whatever employment field interested them;
  • Allowed them to experience and recognize the importance of teamwork;
  • Exposed them to unfamiliar types of work that left a lasting impression;
  • Led them to connect math and sciences with keeping their options open.