The British Council, in cooperation with eight British universities, is offering scholarships for Latinos and Jamaican women to pursue a master’s degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
The gender gap that exists in these disciplines is well documented, so this program seeks to support women from: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica, Peru, Venezuela and Mexico, to reach leadership positions and establish contacts with their counterparts in the region and the United Kingdom, who can contribute to their professional development.
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“It is an exceptional opportunity, given that there are 45 full scholarships available to women in the area, which include monthly tuition and living costs, travel expenses, visa fees, and health coverage. Moms can travel with their children, with related costs also covered through the scheme. In addition, it provides The program enables beneficiaries to be able to prepare themselves with a short English language course, in order to reach the language level necessary to conduct their studies, ”says Diana Dest, Regional Director of Education at the British Council.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women, and only 30% of female students choose fields of higher education related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In Colombia, according to data from UN Women, the number of engineering graduates is barely 37.3%, so there is a huge challenge to encourage new generations to venture into STEM fields or fields.
A study revealed that young women have the perception that they need to demonstrate superior intelligence and dedication to be able to compete against men for access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs. In addition to the notion that professions are complex and that very few agree with them, stereotypes and cultural barriers have been added because they are not seen as “girls” activity.
The British Council seeks to contribute to narrowing the gender gap that exists in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Women who apply and benefit from the ambitious scholarship program will be able to study at institutions such as: University of Bristol, Cranfield University, Imperial College London, among others.
Professionals interested in participating in one of these scholarships can get more information on how to apply at: https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem.
As part of the British Council’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the scholarship program is open to transgender women and does not set an age limit.
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