This spring Business Analyst, Stephanie Lummis, participated in Techsploration as a mentor to a group of teenage girls. Techsploration is a province-wide initiative to provide young women with an opportunity to explore in-demand careers in the technologies, sciences, and trades. The program pairs women working in non-traditional jobs with a group of grade 9 girls from a Nova Scotia high school. This year, Stephanie was paired with Middleton Regional High School. The annual program is made up of a series of events:
- The girls spent a day in the office with Stephanie, learning what a typical day involves in the website consulting world.
- Stephanie spent a day at Middleton Regional High speaking with all of the Grade 8 and 9 students about her career.
- The Techsploration experience culminated in a 2-day Techsplorers conference in Truro, NS that gathered all girls in the programs from around the province with their mentors and teachers.
"My experience with Techsploration was amazing!" says Techsplorer Melissa. "I really enjoyed meeting Stephanie and she has a really cool job. It's nice to see people getting paid for what they like to do."
Girls' presentations a highlight As part of the program, each team of girls creates a presentation and skit about their mentor’s role. They all perform at the conference for the other girls so everyone gets exposed to the broad range of professions represented.
“It’s the highlight of the conference,” says Stephanie Lummis. “It’s a bit surreal seeing yourself portrayed on stage, but the girls worked really hard and it’s an engaging way for all of the participants to learn about all of the career options.”
Facebook Safety: an important message At the year-end conference the girls also participate in a number of workshops. This year Stephanie facilitated workshops on Facebook Safety for 75 teens to show them how to protect themselves, both personally and professionally, while surfing the Internet.
“These young women are very capable and web savvy, but they don’t always make the best decisions about what information they publish on their Facebook pages. Nor are they aware of the dangers and ramifications of the information or pictures they post,” states Arylene Reycraft, Program Manager of Techsploration.
“Feedback from the girls is that Stephanie’s workshop has single-handedly changed what they are willing to put in the public domain and what they think of other postings.” Techsploration has received several requests from parents and teachers for the information in hopes of incorporating the workshop in all future Techsplorers events.
This was Stephanie’s 2nd year with the program and she is looking forward to next year. “I enjoy getting to know the girls and meeting all of the smart, successful women who give their time to such a worthwhile experience."
Techsploration is always looking for more volunteer mentors. If you’re interested in more information, contact Arylene Reycraft.
Techsploration 2009 team from Middleton Regional High School
(back from left) Samantha, Andrea, Sasha, Stephanie Lummis, Kaylie
(front from left) Rebeka, Morgan