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
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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
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2009 09 04
10:25 a.m.
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