Humber College leads STEM empowerment project for adolescent girls in Africa

TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber College is leading an initiative to implement gender-responsive training and support adolescent girls in Kenya and Ethiopia to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM Education for Empowerment Project (STEEP) aims to help more than 35,000 girls over the next four years through secondary schools and community centres in the East African countries. STEEP is funded through a contribution from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, and a matching contribution from The Barrett Family Foundation, totaling $4 million.    

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia have caused disruptions to girls' education, leading to higher rates of dropouts, early marriages and pregnancies, gender-based violence and widening gender gaps in formal education.   

Beginning in October, the STEM education training will be taught at secondary schools and community youth centres targeting girls aged 14-18. Digital tools, mentorships, extracurricular STEM activities and events and opportunities to connect with industry partners will enhance gender equality in girls from these marginalized communities.  

QUOTES 

“Humber College has an established history at the post-secondary level in East Africa, engaging in curriculum development and staff training. By intervening at an earlier educational level, we will help students with the prerequisites needed for studies and careers in STEM while creating a supportive and enabling environment in schools and in the community for these young women.”
- Clarisse Estebar, Humber College’s International Development project lead for STEEP

“Humber College strongly believes in the UN sustainable development goal to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. STEEP’s approach to implementing gender-responsive STEM education and empowerment training for adolescent girls alongside community, public and private sector engagement is now more than ever necessary.” 
- Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president of Academics at Humber College

“When we first learned about how STEEP was working towards closing the gender gap for young girls in Kenya and Ethiopia in STEM education and employment, we wanted to join Humber in fostering positive change. We are making a $2 million investment in STEEP because we know this project will enable young women to make decisions to pursue higher education or obtain STEM related employment that will create a better future for themselves, their families, and the communities in which they live.”
- Bob Barrett, Barrett Family Foundation  

“When adolescent girls are given the opportunity to develop their potential through education, we all win. Canada is committed to ensuring young women get the education they need to succeed and contribute to the economic success of their communities and their countries. Humber College’s STEEP project is an excellent example of how public and private sector funding can be leveraged to empower adolescent girls by giving them access to a quality education in STEM.”
- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development

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About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning       

Humber College is focused on our students' future. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 86,000 learners in-person at three main Toronto locations and online. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.       

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