Wednesday 24th October, marked the launch of our STEMAspire program where we welcomed 53 students from the University of Strathclyde, Caledonian University, City of Glasgow College and the University of West of Scotland to the Glasgow Dell EMC office.
STEM Aspire is a 12-month mentoring program aimed at undergraduate females from the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students are paired with mentors from Dell EMC Glasgow, who provide them with 1-1 support and guidance to help bridge the gap between education and employment.
Skills Development Scotland, The Herald, Netball Scotland, the Scottish Government and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce joined us at the Glasgow office to celebrate the launch of the program. Key speakers MSP Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, and Gail Duff from Scottish Enterprise, expressed their support for the prograe and Dell EMC’s efforts to tackle the gender skills gap.
Facilitators from the University of Strathclyde, took the mentees on a colorful journey using an inspiring method called LEGO Serious Play which fosters creative thinking using LEGO® bricks. One of the students described the day as being a “wonderful way to meet new people who share similar experiences”.
Each of the students expressed who they were as individuals through their LEGO duck, by explaining how each component relates to their personal attributes. The students were then asked to build a model, which represents their aspirations and what STEMAspire means to them.
The facilitators also gifted the girls with a LEGO® STEMAspire mascot Rosemary.
Mentees from the previous year underwent a graduation ceremony, where they received a trophy and a certificate for completing the STEMAspire program.
“It was a pleasure to have worked with Anna and watch her confidence grow through the year and I am delighted she realized her aspiration to study at Glasgow University, after having worked so hard to meet the grade requirements and putting it top of the list on that UCAS form.” – Mark White.
“UWS students studying Creative Computing, Applied Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences subjects have benefited greatly from DELL’s STEM Aspire Mentoring Program. Mentees consider the program a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development.
Many thanks to our key stakeholders and partners for their continuous support.