WATERLOO, Ont. – Go ENG Girl/GÉNiales, les filles is a free event that encourages girls in grades 7 though 10 to have fun as they learn about current programs of study and careers in engineering. Hands-on workshops allow participants to experience the creativity, imagination and teamwork involved in engineering design. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend and talk to students, faculty and alumna. The event takes place on Saturday, October 18th at the University of Waterloo.
This year marks the 10th anniversary for the Go ENG Girl program since its inception in Ontario in 2005. To date close to 12,000 girls and their parents have attended a Go ENG Girl event and another 1000 girls in grades 7-10 will attend this year’s Go ENG Girl events across Ontario.
The date coincides closely with the first International Day of the Girl Child (October 11th). Canada has joined the international community in adopting this day to promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls. Current statistics indicate that only 1 in 5 undergraduate students in engineering is female (Engineers Canada data) Go ENG Girl/GÉNiales, les filles aims to dispel stereotypes that discourage girls from participating in engineering programs and to raise awareness about career opportunities. Since the inception of Go ENG Girl in 2005, the overall participation of female students in engineering programs across Ontario has risen from 17.3% in 2005 to 19.4% in 2012.
ONWIE – the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering – organizes and hosts Go ENG Girl/GÉNiales, les filles at 16? locations across the province. At the University of Waterloo, the event will run from 9:00 to 1:30, and program details are available at https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/go-eng-girl.
is a fun opportunity for girls to meet others who share their interests and to find out firsthand how these amazing careers are making a difference to our environment and quality of life.
Professor Mary Wells, Chair of ONWIE.
Registration for Go ENG Girl/GÉNiales, les filles is now open! Space is limited, so girls are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment.
Go ENG Girl/GÉNiales, les filles is one of several initiatives to promote increased participation of women in engineering. Some disciplines – such as chemical and environmental engineering – are well above the overall average but there are new and interesting areas of application in all types of engineering. For more information visit www.onwie.ca.