The mission of the TDSB's first girls STEM conference, Metamorphosis 2017, is to inspire grade 7 and 8 girls to build and sustain their interests in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) through a day of hands-on workshops, inspirational speakers and mentorship. 

This event was created to support girls at a critical time when they are likely to become disengaged with STEM. Girls in middle school tend lose interest in STEM studies and careers despite high academic achievement in these disciplines, and a much lower number of women compared to men are choosing careers in STEM fields, especially in the areas of mathematics, engineering and computer science. According to a recent Canadian study, men outnumber women in the Canadian STEM workforce by a ratio of 3:1. While gender disparity in STEM is a complex issue, we know that early and positive engagement and access to women role models in STEM fields can help girls feel more confident in their abilities and can greatly impact their decisions to pursue and perservere in STEM after high school.

The Metamorphosis Girls STEM Conference is one step in the journey towards transforming attitudes surrounding girls and women in STEM, and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM. If STEM is to be the driver of innovation and economic prosperity in Canada, we need everyone involved.