{"id":786,"date":"2026-01-01T20:44:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T01:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/?page_id=786"},"modified":"2026-01-01T20:47:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T01:47:44","slug":"empowering-students-in-stem","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/empowering-students-in-stem\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Students in STEM"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"332\">A Message from the Conference Organizer<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"630\">The <strong data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"383\">Women in STEM, AI &amp; Innovation Conference<\/strong> was created with a simple but powerful goal: to help <strong data-start=\"437\" data-end=\"453\">all students<\/strong> see themselves as capable, confident contributors to the future of science, technology, and innovation\u2014while intentionally amplifying the voices and experiences of young women.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"632\" data-end=\"987\">For many students\u2014especially girls and those from underrepresented communities\u2014STEM can feel distant or inaccessible. This conference is designed to change that narrative by creating a space where <strong data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"895\">students of all genders are welcome as participants and allies<\/strong>, learning together through meaningful conversations, mentorship, and real-world engagement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"1392\">Through panels, interactive mentorship, and hands-on exploration, students will connect directly with leaders from government, industry, academia, and community organizations who are actively shaping the future. Allies play a critical role in this work, and this conference emphasizes the importance of <strong data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1363\">inclusive leadership, ethical innovation, and shared responsibility<\/strong> in building a better future.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1933\">This year\u2019s conference takes place on <strong data-start=\"1432\" data-end=\"1447\">February 10<\/strong>, intentionally scheduled <strong data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1559\">one day ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11)<\/strong>. By gathering on this day, we extend the global celebration into our local community\u2014creating space to <strong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1712\">learn, share, connect, and celebrate together<\/strong>. In response to feedback from students and community partners, we are expanding the event to a broader audience, inviting schools and organizations across the community to participate, collaborate, and celebrate with us.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1935\" data-end=\"2221\">This marks our <strong data-start=\"1950\" data-end=\"1998\">second year hosting the conference in person<\/strong>, following several successful years of virtual programming. The in-person format allows for deeper mentorship, richer dialogue, and stronger connections\u2014something students, educators, and partners have consistently valued.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2530\">\n<p data-start=\"2225\" data-end=\"2530\"><em data-start=\"2225\" data-end=\"2487\">\u201cAt its heart, this conference is about possibility\u2014helping students see that they belong in STEM, that their ideas matter, and that their voices can shape the future. When young people feel seen, supported, and included, extraordinary things begin to happen.\u201d<\/em><br data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2490\" \/>\u2014 <strong data-start=\"2494\" data-end=\"2530\">Dr. Anju Bajaj, Conference Chair<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2755\">We warmly invite <strong data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2614\">administrators, teachers, students, and allies of all genders<\/strong> to join us for this meaningful learning experience and to be part of a growing community committed to equity, innovation, and student voice.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2762\" data-end=\"2790\">Registration Information<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"3205\">\n<li data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2817\">\n<p data-start=\"2794\" data-end=\"2817\"><strong data-start=\"2794\" data-end=\"2803\">Date:<\/strong> February 10<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2818\" data-end=\"2850\">\n<p data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"2850\"><strong data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"2829\">Time:<\/strong> 8:00 AM \u2013 12:00 PM<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2851\" data-end=\"2871\">\n<p data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2871\"><strong data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2864\">Grades:<\/strong> 7\u201312<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2872\" data-end=\"2951\">\n<p data-start=\"2874\" data-end=\"2951\"><strong data-start=\"2874\" data-end=\"2893\">Who Can Attend:<\/strong> Students of all genders; allies are strongly encouraged<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3050\">\n<p data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"3050\"><strong data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"2962\">Fee:<\/strong> $20 per student<br data-start=\"2978\" data-end=\"2981\" \/><em data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3048\">(Includes STEM make-and-take activities and light refreshments)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3161\">\n<p data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3161\"><strong data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3077\">Bursaries Available:<\/strong> If cost is a barrier, bursaries are available on a first-come, first-served basis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3162\" data-end=\"3205\">\n<p data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3205\"><strong data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3190\">Registration Deadline:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3205\">January 27<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3207\" data-end=\"3261\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3228\">Register here: https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/USTU2X9R7G<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3207\" data-end=\"3261\"><strong data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3228\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-788\" src=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Feb-10-Girls-in-STEM-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Feb-10-Girls-in-STEM-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Feb-10-Girls-in-STEM-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Feb-10-Girls-in-STEM-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Feb-10-Girls-in-STEM.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 131px) 100vw, 131px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3207\" data-end=\"3261\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-787\" src=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Anju-1-300x91.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Anju-1-300x91.jpg 300w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Anju-1-1024x312.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Anju-1-768x234.jpg 768w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Anju-1-1536x468.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Anju-1-2048x624.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-789\" src=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg1_-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"348\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg1_-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg1_-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg1_-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg1_-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg1_-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 348px) 100vw, 348px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-790\" src=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Girls-in-STEM-2025.jpeg2_-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 160px) 100vw, 160px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Message from the Conference Organizer The Women in STEM, AI &amp; Innovation Conference was created with a simple but powerful goal: to help all students see themselves as capable, confident contributors to the future of science, technology, and innovation\u2014while intentionally amplifying the voices and experiences of young women. For many students\u2014especially girls and those [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-786","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/786","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=786"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/786\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":794,"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/786\/revisions\/794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/region.youthscience.ca\/bison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=786"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}