In a context where women remain underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the Monte dans les STIM meetings are aimed at female CEGEP students currently enrolled in a program that could lead them to pursue a university degree and a career related to these sectors.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness in the business community of the impact of the underrepresentation of women in STEM and to equip professionals with the ability to drive a culture of change within their industry.
How does it work?
2023 cohorts
The program gives approximately 50 young women the opportunity to take part in a simple and engaging initiative to spark their interest in STEM-related fields. Central to the program are meetings with professional female role models and university students.
The cohort activities will span a 10-month period from March to December 2023.
Event and survey
The project will culminate in a co-development event and the production of a survey to evaluate the impact of the initiative on:
- The participants’ professional interests;
- Their perception of the obstacles limiting their access to non-traditional occupations;
- The mentors’ perception of their ability to drive a culture of change within their economic sector.
Are you a student or would you like to participate as a mentor?
Join the 2023 student cohort for a chance to meet with female professionals, university students and others who will provide you with more information about the many possibilities available to you, answer your questions and challenge your apprehensions about your career options in STEM fields.
Please complete the following registration form before March 31 (in French only). Within a few days, you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information.
Register now!
Come and share your professional experience to inspire the next generation of women!
Becoming a mentor means:
- Contributing to the advancement of gender equity in STEM fields;
- Supporting and coaching young women in their higher-education path;
- Developing a sense of accomplishment and commitment through a special relationship with future STEM professionals.
Your role : is simply to listen, share your experience and show that you care.
To submit your application, please fill out the following registration form before March 31 (in French only). A program manager will contact you as soon as possible.
Become a mentor!
In order to participate in the Monte dans les STIM program, you must meet certain criteria.
- You are a female student currently enrolled in a CEGEP located in Greater Montréal;
- You agree to devote approximately 12 hours over the course of the year;
- You identify as a woman.
- You are in the job market and have completed your studies;
- You are currently working or have previously worked in a STEM sector;
- You agree to devote approximately 6 hours over the course of the year;
- You identify as a woman.
You do not need to have previous mentoring experience to participate in the program. A quick training session is planned for the mentors. There is no age limit to get involved.
Important dates
March 2023
March
2023
- Participant registration
- Mentor recruitment
April 4, 2023
April 4,
2023
- Launch of the 2023 cohort: presentation of the initiative and mentoring initiation workshop
Fall 2023
Fall 2023
Fall
2023
- Publication of the survey report
In Quebec
While women are in the majority in college and university programs, they remain underrepresented in STEM-related fields.
In Quebec, women represent less than 20% of those enrolled in computer science programs, and only 18% in engineering programs.
Yet a degree in a STEM-related discipline is in high demand in the job market and is among the highest paying.
In Canada
In Canada, women represent less than 25% of those employed in STEM careers.
The gender gap is particularly large in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs of the future, such as computer science and engineering.
The importance of boosting interest in STEM
The underrepresentation of women in these fields has major repercussions for economic development. To change things, it is necessary to equip professional resources with the ability to drive a culture of change. Greater diversity in the workforce from STEM-related fields would provide significant benefits to society and businesses in the city. This would also address skills shortages, increase innovation and capacity, and ensure a better return on investment in human resources.
Who is the initiative for?
- Female CEGEP students enrolled in a program that could lead them to pursue a university degree and a career in STEM.
- CEGEPs, professionals and companies committed to the cause and wanting to get involved directly or indirectly, for example by becoming a mentor or simply by helping to promote the initiative.
Who are we?
Montréal Relève offers services aimed at developing innovative projects to prepare a qualified next generation for Greater Montréal. In operation for over 25 years, the subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal assists more than 2,000 young people each year in their academic and professional development.