"STEM, girls get into the game," from Tuesday, July 9, begins the residential college orientation course to bring 75 female students of merit, finishing their fourth year of high school, closer to scientific study paths and careers

Beginning at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 at the Sant'Anna School is the residential college guidance course "STEM, Girls Get in the Game," (Only Italian Language) dedicated to 75 female students who have completed their fourth year of high school, to provide them with an in-depth and concrete view of the opportunities offered by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) study paths and careers, breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting greater female participation in these fields so crucial to the future. This college guidance course is financially supported by The Talent at Work Foundation, PagoPA, and receives a grant from PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) funds for high schools that have signed agreements with the Sant'Anna School.

During the guidance course at the Sant'Anna School, which runs through Friday, July 12, the 75 participants, selected from female students of merit, daughters of non-college-educated parents and from all over Italy, are inspired and encouraged to explore and pursue paths of study and careers in STEM science disciplines through various in-depth opportunities.

They participate in interactive lectures with internationally renowned professors and researchers to range over a wide range of topics, from biotechnology to robotics, from computer science to neuroscience; they have the opportunity to engage with experts and pundits through panel discussions; and they listen to testimonials, dialogue with successful female professionals in the world of STEM disciplines, delving into their experiences and career paths. The 75 female students have the opportunity to live a collegial experience , hosted in the facilities of the Sant'Anna School, and by visiting the different research laboratories dedicated to STEM disciplines, they experience a preview of university life, making connections with peers who share their same passions.

STEM careers are growing steadily and offer numerous professional opportunities. According to recent studies, technology and engineering-related professions are among the most in-demand in the global job market. Those who graduate from STEM disciplines earn an average of 26 percent more than those in other fields and have significantly higher employment rates. However, female participation in STEM degree programs remains low: data estimate that only 35 percent of students enrolled in STEM degree programs in Italy are women. This gender gap appears even more pronounced in some specific fields such as engineering and computer science. Incentivizing girls to pursue STEM studies is key to reducing the gender gap and promoting greater diversity and inclusiveness in science and technology.

The guidance course represents an opportunity, described as "valuable," for young female students to approach these disciplines and get involved in their studies. As Marco Fontana and Veronica Iacovacci, scientific leaMarco Fontana and Veronica Iacovacci, scientific leaders: "Careers in these fields offer future female college students the opportunity to be key players in the innovations of the future." Event supported by Il Talento all'Opera Foundation, PagoPA, with contribution of PNRR fundsders of the course, point out, "STEM careers offer girls the opportunity to be protagonists of the innovations of the future. It is essential that more young women choose these paths to contribute to a more equitable and technologically advanced society."