Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$1 Million Investment

Province announces investment in STEM learning opportunities for women

Mar 9, 2022 | 4:19 PM

An investment announced by Alberta’s government this week, is hoped to mean science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields will employ more women as the province’s economy grows.

To ensure that more women have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education in STEM programs, government officials say new funding is being provided to bursary programs at Bow Valley College in Calgary and NorQuest College and Yellowhead Tribal College, both in Edmonton.

Officials note that many women face financial and personal challenges in their pursuit of post-secondary education and this funding investment is hoped to address those challenges. It also aims to help women gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in STEM-related fields, helping to increase women’s representation in these sectors.

“Post-secondary education is essential in today’s technology-based global economy. Our economy is moving from recovery to sustained growth and this investment will help continue to propel us forward by ensuring women have more entry points into high-paying jobs,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation on Tuesday.

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Alberta’s government is investing $1 million in these bursary programs. Both Bow Valley College and NorQuest College will receive funding of $400,000 while Yellowhead Tribal College will receive $200,000. The bursaries are expected to cover a portion of tuition and fees and help recipients pay for services they need to succeed in their studies, which could include school supplies, technology, laptops and accessories, child care and transportation.

“The Alberta 2030 strategic plan focuses on improving student access, especially among under-represented groups,” added Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education. “That is why it is so great to see that more supports for women pursuing STEM careers are available at institutions across the province. We will continue to make strategic investments to ensure that women, and all Albertans, have access to the education and skills development opportunities they need to have fulfilling careers now and in the future.”

Officials say this funding is part of the government’s commitment to support women’s economic recovery as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan. They further point out, this follows the recent investment of $1.9 million toward a two-year Research and Innovation Grant to support skills development training for women’s success in the IT sector.

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate everything women have done to build Alberta,” said Whitney Issik, Associate Minister of Status of Women. “This day is also a call to find new ways to ensure women can succeed at school, at work and at life. These bursaries will help more women pursue fulfilling and in-demand careers that will help build Alberta’s future.”

“Through this investment, Alberta’s government is expanding the impact of the government’s Women in STEM and Persons Case Scholarships, which are supporting a record number of students this year with close to a million dollars in funding,” added Issik.

Additional supports for women pursuing education in fields in which they are under-represented are said to be available through the Government of Alberta’s Women in STEM and Persons Case Scholarships.

As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, government officials say there has been a one-time increase in funding for these scholarships to help more students pursue post-secondary education. This year, 400 students are receiving $2,500 each, representing a record amount of funding provided through these scholarship streams.

Quick facts

• STEM professions have proven to be economically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, but women are under-represented in STEM fields.
  • Women make up half of Alberta’s population but only represent about one-third of enrolments and graduates in STEM programs and only about one-quarter of employees in STEM fields.
  • In the technology sector alone, women in Alberta account for only 25 per cent of workers while making up 45 per cent of the workforce overall.
• Post-secondary education has been shown to be essential in today’s technology-based global economy and there is a direct correlation between education and economic success of communities.
• Alberta has led the nation for five consecutive months with its employment rate for women. In January 2022, that employment rate reached 60.7 per cent.
• 60 per cent of minimum wage earners in Alberta are women.
• Almost 90 per cent of women aged 15 and older in Alberta are employed in the services-producing sector, such as retail and hospitality services.

Janis Irwin, NDP Critic for Women’s Issues, made the following statement in response to the UCP’s comments on women in STEM fields:

“While bursaries for women pursuing an education in STEM fields are welcome, this $1-million announcement doesn’t even come close to providing the help that students will need.

“The UCP has driven up tuition costs and increased interest on student debt. The UCP’s own budget projects that from 2019 to 2025, total Alberta student debt will more than double to a massive $5.3 billion.

“Students are also facing soaring car insurance and utility costs thanks to the UCP. Women entering STEM continue to face significant financial barriers that these bursaries are not enough to address.”