EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEAM

AUDREY KUNG’S JOURNEY AT CASE SPACE SCHOOL

At Queen Margaret College we pride ourselves on championing educational opportunities that equip our students with the skills to succeed in an ever-evolving world. The CASE Space School, which Year 11 student Audrey Kung attended, is one such programme that not only prepares students for the future but inspires them to reach for the stars.

The CASE Space School is a unique programme designed for young explorers interested in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Students learn about NASA and astronaut training, in addition to developing effective STEAM skills for their futures, through this engaging, hands-on adventure. Inspired by awesome space technology, and by the NASA astronauts and specialists they meet, students come away with renewed enthusiasm. They are challenged by authentic astronaut training, learning resilience and teamwork.

Audrey's experience at CASE Space School highlights the importance of providing opportunities for young women to engage in STEAM subjects. Historically, women have been underrepresented in these fields. According to the National Science Foundation, in 2019, women constituted 28% of the science and engineering workforce. This underrepresentation is particularly stark in areas such as engineering and computer science, where women only make up 13% and 24% of the workforce, respectively.

This lack of diversity has real-world consequences. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, productive and better at problemsolving. It is especially relevant in STEM fields, where society faces complex problems that require creative solutions. By providing opportunities for young women like Audrey to engage with STEAM subjects, we not only create a more diverse workforce, but we also ensure that we have the best and brightest minds working towards solving the world's most pressing problems.

The importance of STEAM education cannot be understated. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the jobs of tomorrow will require a skillset that is vastly different from the requirements of today. According to a World Economic Forum report, 75% of the fastest-growing professions will require STEAM-related skills. In addition, 50% of the professions that exist today will disappear in the next 30 years, with 50% of the professions in the next 30 years not even currently existing. This means that students of today will experience dozens of career changes and dozens of jobs in each career.

To navigate this fast-changing environment, students need to master critical STEAM-related skillsets, along with interpersonal skills – the seven survival skills. The CASE Space School programme is built on the foundation of the Seven Survival Skills. These include developing self-esteem, building friendships, resisting peer pressure, achieving goals, and strengthening core values. Through the programme's mPOWER module, students are coached to acquire and practise the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens during their time in Houston.

Audrey's experience at CASE Space School testifies to the importance of providing young people with opportunities to engage in STEAM subjects. The programme provides a once-in-a-lifetime immersive STEAM experience that motivates students to achieve their goals and passion for life. During the programme, Audrey explored her curiosity, gained newfound enthusiasm for the STEAM field, and developed critical skills that will serve her well in the future.