Stories that inspire
Fonds Les Scientifines
Les Scientifines is a not-for-profit organization launched in 1987 by a four women from the School of Social Work at Université de Montréal. They created it as an action-research project, working within the Ministry of Education’s “Étalez votre science” program. Their approach was based on sparking young girls’ interest in the sciences and forging a better future for themselves.
Now counting more than 30 years’ experience, Les Scientifines promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the STEM disciplines) among girls aged 8 to 17 from disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to help them develop cross-disciplinary skills, with a view of staying in school and out of precariousness. In the current context, with all of its socioeconomic challenges, Les Scientifines’ initial goal remains very relevant. We still need to keep up efforts to increase the number of girls in the science and tech sectors.
Even during the pandemic, the organization has managed to adapt, and stay active. It reaches 100 or so girls each week, thanks to its homework help and science workshops programs. The participants are working hard on completing their Science Fair projects, which they will present virtually later this year! It’s a great opportunity for them to get familiar with digital tools. They can develop skills that will be useful to them on their academic journeys.
Support from FGM
Since 2014, the organization has been receiving grants from FGM, notably through the Chamandy Foundation Fund. For the second year in a row, it is supporting the organization’s Scientific Activities for Girls program. FGM has also in recent years supported two key projects. “À la recherche de femmes scientifiques inspirantes, d’hier à aujourd’hui (Seeking inspiring women in science, yesterday and today)” had participants create a travelling exhibit highlighting 30 or so Canadian women scientists having worked in STEM areas throughout our history. Launched in 2019, “Être une ado bien dans sa peau… et sa tête! (Teenagers feeling good in their own skin… and their headspace!)” offered about 30 young girls, 12 to 17 years old, 15 workshops with discussions on themes relating to well-being and mental health.
In 2018 and 2019, the organization also received grants from Quebec’s ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur. Through the Placement Réussite program, the Foundation of Greater Montréal facilitated those grants. And in 2020, Les Scientifines transferred the amounts it had received into a self-designated fund at FGM. It aims to support its mission, ensure the continuity of its work, and mobilize the community around future fundraising activity.