Bayer encouraging girls to pursue STEMs

Greenlight for Girls is being sponsored by Bayer MaterialScience and helping to encourage more girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Greenlight for Girls (g4g) is an international organisation dedicated to inspiring girls of all ages and backgrounds to pursue STEM careers, by introducing them to the world of science in fun and exciting ways. Founded by Melissa Rancourt, herself an engineer, it has volunteers operating in every continent of the world, encouraging girls of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in science-related careers, through a variety of activities.

Bayer MaterialScience wants the collaboration with g4g to help encourage girls into the industry as it could tackle the problem of shortage of people with STEM qualifications. It also aims to include girls from across the world, at locations where it has a presence.

Bayer MaterialScience’s chief sustainability officer, Richard Northcote said: “We are keen to fire up the interest of girls of all ages and backgrounds in STEM subjects, particularly in developing countries where they might not have the same opportunities as their counterparts in other parts of Europe and the world. This is why our goals are perfectly in line with those of g4g, which has a clear passion for instilling confidence in girls, and encouraging them to share in the fun of science in all its forms.

Our high-tech materials are making significant contributions in areas such as energy and resource efficiency – mobility, construction and home living, but we cannot do this without encouraging new and enthusiastic young people into the industry. They help us develop the products and processes that improve people’s lives, help conserve the planet and move the business forward, so they are a hugely important part of our sustainability strategy."

G4g founder, Melissa Rancourt, said: “We are always looking for like-minded partners who endorse our activities in countries all over the world, so it’s fantastic to have a global company like Bayer MaterialScience on board. Its scientists, technicians, strategists and marketers can provide first-hand experience of what it’s like working in innovative and forward thinking environment, and can demonstrate how rewarding it is being involved in the exciting world of science.”

G4g’s team and network of volunteers participate in a range of STEM initiatives which promote exposure to science. It also helps empower girls, particularly those in developing countries, who want a science education but find addressing the possibilities quite challenging