Community backs NorQuest campaign to support Women in STEM

June 9, 2021

The new fundraising campaign aims to make a transformational impact on the number of women working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in Alberta by creating the 1000 Women 4 STEM Award. The three-year, $3 million campaign will provide a fully-funded NorQuest education for women who have the interest, but not the means, to receive STEM-related instruction.

“1000 women donors recognize the power and potential of women to accomplish great things,” said Dr. Elena Hernandez-Kucey, Chair of the 1000 Women campaign. “Their generous support will play a pivotal role in removing barriers to access for women entering the workforce, and help women demonstrate their promise to their families, their communities, and most importantly, themselves.”

The virtual event was a resounding success, securing $100,000 (and counting!) from over 600 guests and 45 community sponsors. The donations raised through the campaign will help address women’s participation in STEM fields, where research shows that women face higher unemployment rates, fewer opportunities, and a greater imbalance between skills and the demands of the jobs. But research also shows that by 2026, Canada could add $150 billion annually to its economy by supporting women’s participation in the workforce.

“As the province recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and record low energy prices, we need to make sure that women are not left behind,” said Marian Gayed, Vice President, External Relations and Partnerships at NorQuest College. “By connecting NorQuest resources like our workforce-ready programming in STEM, industry-focused equity, diversity, and inclusion training through our Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership, and the power of Alberta’s wonderful philanthropic community, we’re helping to make STEM workplaces across Alberta more welcoming and inclusive for women.”

For more information about the campaign or to donate, please visit 1000women.ca

Media enquiries

Mike Reeves

External Media Consultant

Phone: 780.288.3651

Email: Mike.Reeves@NorQuest.ca