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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Executive Council
September 4, 2009

Williams Government Supports Career Exploration
Opportunities for Young Women

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, congratulated the Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) organization today for concluding another successful year of its Student Summer Employment Program (SSEP).

�The SSEP program offered by WISE offers an invaluable learning opportunity to young women at a time when they are beginning to plan their futures,� said Minister Sullivan. �Increasing the participation of women in engineering and applied science is an important goal for the Williams Government, and that is why my department continued its support of this important initiative with a $43,300 financial contribution this year.�

The SSEP is an eight-week program offered at Memorial University�s St. John�s Campus and at the Sir Wilfred Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, in which young women are exposed to careers in science, technology, and engineering. Over 600 participants have benefited from this award-winning program during the 20 years it has been running, and this year was another great success, as 20 more participants broadened their career horizons throughout the summer. WISE offered some very unique and exciting work experiences during this year�s SSEP, with participants availing of research assistant roles in areas such as animal behaviour, evolutionary genetics, behavioural neuroscience, memory and aging, and children and youth health promotion.

�By receiving mentoring from accomplished female professionals while working as research assistants, participants enjoy the best workplace exposures possible and are better able to make informed decisions about their career path,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. �I applaud WISE for its innovative and comprehensive approach to creating new opportunities for young women, and I thank them for their efforts.�

�WISE truly appreciates the continued support of the Provincial Government,� said Ashley Henderson, Student Summer Employment Program Administrator. �We are pleased to see that the Provincial Government shares our priorities with respect to ensuring all avenues of employment are accessible to young women, and we look forward to continued cooperation in the future.�

WISE Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit, volunteer organization that has been putting forward initiatives to increase the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers since 1988. The organization does this by increasing awareness that these professions are rewarding and exciting options for women. WISE NL also provides mentoring, professional developing and networking opportunities to facilitate the success of women in these fields, and advocates for equitable workplaces. To find out more, visit www.cdli.ca/wise/index.htm 

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca
 
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca 
Ashley Henderson
Administrator
Women In Science and Engineering
Student Summer Employment Program
709-737-2484
wise.nl@mun.ca 
 

2009 09 04                                                  10:25 a.m.
 


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