“Girls are almost three times more likely to consider careers in science, math and engineering if they participate in science fairs and summer camps – particularly in the early grades – according to a new Canadian report.”

This recent Globe and Mail article reports on Prof. Tamara Franz-Odendaal’s survey results for about 600 students in Grades 7 through 9 last year from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I.

“I think this is a wake-up call. We need to increase the engagement level, and we need to encourage it from a young age,” said the study’s lead investigator, Tamara Franz-Odendaal, an associate professor at the university. She’s also the Atlantic region chair of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s program for Women in Science and Engineering.

“Elizabeth Croft, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia who is also a NSERC chair for Women in Science and Engineering, said it’s not only important for girls to participate in STEM activities outside the classroom, but governments and educators need to address how to make classroom learning in these fields more engaging.”