03 October 2019
Bilbao Campus
The Inspira STEAM project for the promotion of the scientific-technological vocations amongst girls, led by the University of Deusto, has been awarded with a Hewlett Packard (HP) Foundation grant of $21,000. This funding will be used to expand the programme from the current 350 girls and 300 boys to up to 2,000 girls and boys in Catalonia.
Inspira STEAM is a pioneering project with the aim of raising awareness of research, science and technology careers for girls and boys, taught by female scientists (mentors). Through sessions at school, children are taught what STEAM careers consist of, which women have made great contributions throughout history, and they are provided with current examples of female scientists, experiments, etc. One of the main objectives is to create relation of trust between the child and the mentor, to break stereotypes and preconceived ideas about science and technology.
This innovative plan uses the approach of group mentoring to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) among children at Primary School. In their 2019-20 edition, Inspira STEAM is participating in 40 schools in Catalonia thanks to 200 volunteers from different companies and institutions. One of these is HP, with 25 female engineers dedicating part of their time to inspire girls to better understand the career opportunities in technology and perceive it as a possible future for them.
The HP Foundation “Imagine Grants” have been launched this year to distribute worldwide more than 1 million euros through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. They aim to fund and support learning experiences related to technology for underrepresented communities. In Spain, the Spiral Association, education and technology is also funded with the same amount.
The Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) advances innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems, engaging donors to make our region and world a better place for all. SVCF formed in 2007, and since then they have awarded more than $6 billion in grants locally, nationally and globally. This award has been possible thanks to the support of the HP Foundation, through its center in Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona.
For more information about the Inspira STEAM Project, please consult this page.
