Who We Are

STEMforGIRLS is a program of WRDC’s Educational Resource Centre (ERC) created in 2002 to provide hands-on learning and career exploration opportunities for younger women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as well as skilled trades. ERC programs have provided opportunities to thousands of girls in urban, rural, and remote communities, giving them valuable hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, math, and trades. Ongoing evaluations have shown these programs are relevant, educational, and empowering. It is the charitable arm of Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC), a provincial non-profit organization committed to increasing women's participation in trades and technology. 

The objectives of ERC are to…

  • increase understanding of STEM as a foundation for all careers
  • increase female representation in STEM post-secondary programs and careers
  • improve creativity and innovation of the field through more diverse, inclusive, and gender-balanced workforce.

We will achieve these objectives by:

  1. 1
    Engaging girls by appealing to their interests and strengths, identifying the diversity of careers that are rooted in studying STEM. 
  2. 2
    Instilling confidence in girls to pursue STEM subjects in high school through girls-only experiential learning.
  3. 3
    Developing girls’ expectations of themselves as capable learners of STEM. 
    Helping girls create a vision of their future career by forming connections with female professionals working in STEM fields.

With private and public funding, WRDC offers a variety of programs and services to address the challenges surrounding the attraction, recruitment, retention and advancement of women in these sectors. Successfully increasing the participation of women in these fields requires a comprehensive “lifecycle” approach, supporting women at all points in the career cycle.  
 
Our key activities include:  

  • career exploration programs; 
  • career development and employment assistance services;
  • recruitment and retention consultation and training for employers; and
  • collaborating with key stakeholders such as training institutions, employers, labour unions, government departments and community groups to identify solutions to issues commonly identified by women in trades and technology.List Element

WRDC recognizes the importance of engaging all stakeholders in efforts to increase women’s participation in trades and technology careers. In addition to our ongoing discussions with private, public, education, labour and industry partners, WRDC also collaborates with key stakeholders through facilitation and participation in research initiatives, steering committees, advisory councils, community forums, and industry events.

To learn more about WRDC’s services and programs, visit wrdc.ca.

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